Best Trade Schools in Opa-locka, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Opa-locka. This guide compares accredited programs, outlines Florida licensing steps, and highlights in-demand trades. Use it to choose a local school with the training and credentials employers want. Electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders are needed across Miami-Dade’s construction and service sectors[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Opa-locka

All schools below are in or near Opa-locka and hold recognized accreditation. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each campus for current schedules and start dates[^2][^3].

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• New construction, retrofits, and service work keep Miami-Dade electricians busy. BLS projects steady openings from growth and retirements[^1]. Local training plus apprenticeship leads to journeyman and contractor roles.

HVAC/R Technician

• South Florida’s climate means year-round HVAC work in residential, commercial, and refrigeration. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^5]. Many grads start as installers and move into service and controls.

Welder

• Welders support building construction, bridges, marine/ship repair, and manufacturing across the region. Employers value process-specific credentials (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) earned through AWS-aligned training[^7]. Steady replacement needs create ongoing openings[^1].

Plumber

• Plumbers are needed for new builds, code-driven retrofits, and 24/7 service. With experience, you can qualify for journeyman and eventually become a licensed contractor to run your own business in Florida[^4][^6].

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Florida) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Here is a simplified path for common trades. Always confirm current rules with the state board and Miami-Dade County.

Electrician (Florida + Miami-Dade)

• Start: Complete an Electricity program or enter a registered apprenticeship (classroom + paid OJT).
• Journeyman (local): Apply with the Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board (CTQB) and pass the journeyman exam to work independently under a contractor[^6].
• Contractor (statewide): Qualify for the Florida Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) exam with the DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. Show experience, pass background and exams, provide financials/insurance, and complete continuing education[^4].
• Note: Some counties also accept Registered Electrical Contractor licenses tied to local jurisdictions[^4].

HVAC/R (Air Conditioning)

• Training: Complete an HVAC/R program and on-the-job training.
• EPA: Earn EPA Section 608 certification to work with refrigerants[^5].
• Journeyman (local): Miami-Dade CTQB offers journeyman exams for air conditioning mechanics (optional but valuable)[^6].
• Contractor (statewide): Get a Certified Air-Conditioning Contractor license (Class A or B) from the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Requires experience, exams, financial responsibility, and insurance[^4].

Plumbing

• Apprenticeship/training: Combine classroom instruction with supervised hours.
• Journeyman (local): Apply to Miami-Dade CTQB and pass the journeyman plumber exam[^6].
• Contractor (statewide): Qualify for the Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor license through DBPR. Meet experience, exam, and business requirements[^4].

Welding

• No Florida state license for welders.
• Credentials: Earn AWS certifications matched to your job (for example, D1.1 structural steel). Keep procedures and continuity current as required by employers and code[^7].
• Safety: Many employers require OSHA 10/30 training.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid programs: Several Miami-Dade technical colleges blend online theory with on-campus labs for HVAC, electricity, medical, and public safety programs. Hands-on labs are still required for skills sign-off.
• Evening/weekend schedules: Schools like Miami Lakes, Lindsey Hopkins, and D.A. Dorsey run evening cohorts for working adults[^2].
• Short modules: Many programs are organized in clock-hour blocks. You can start monthly or quarterly and stack modules toward completion.
• Test prep online: EPA 608, NCCER, and AWS exam prep materials are widely offered online. Schools often include prep resources in tuition.

Next Steps

• Compare programs and visit campuses: Start with our Florida hub and statewide list: Florida Trade Schools.
• Explore trades and pick your path: See job duties, pay, and certifications at the Trades Hub, including Electrician, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing.
• Plan finances and timelines: Read our step-by-step guides at Guides.
• Browse all locations: See more options at the Trade School Directory.

If you already know your trade, ask each school about start dates, required tools, certification pass rates, and local employer partners. That will tell you how quickly you can train, test, and get hired in Opa-locka.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm; HVAC/R: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm; Plumbers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm; Welders: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ (accreditation, programs, and outcomes) [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory: https://www.accsc.org/Commission-Directory/ [^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Licensing (Electrical, Air Conditioning, Plumbing): https://www.myfloridalicense.com/ [^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^6]: Miami-Dade County, Construction Trades Qualifying Board (CTQB): https://www.miamidade.gov/global/business/regulation/ctqb.page [^7]: American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications: https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certifications