Best Trade Schools in Orange City, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Orange City. This page helps you compare accredited programs, choose a trade, and understand Florida licensing. You will also see which careers are growing and how long training takes. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in steady demand across Central Florida[^1].


Top Trade Schools in Orange City

All schools below are within driving distance of Orange City and hold recognized accreditation (ACCSC, COE, or SACSCOC). Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each campus for exact start dates and schedules.

#1

Atlantic Technical College

Coconut Creek, FL In-state option

Located in Coconut Creek, FL Atlantic Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, FL 33063-3902
  • (754) 321-5100

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Baptist University of Florida

Graceville, FL In-state option

Located in Graceville, FL Baptist University of Florida is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Barry University

Miami, FL In-state option

Located in Miami, FL Barry University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Management, Art and Design Foundations, and Information Technology Systems.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, FL In-state option

Located in Daytona Beach, FL Bethune-Cookman University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology Systems.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
  • (386) 481-2000

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Lynn University

Boca Raton, FL In-state option

Located in Boca Raton, FL Lynn University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Criminal Justice, and Data Analytics Technology.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#6

North Florida Technical College

Starke, FL In-state option

Located in Starke, FL North Florida Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), HVAC Technician, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#7

Eastern Florida State College

Melbourne, FL In-state option

Located in Melbourne, FL Eastern Florida State College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aerospace Technology, Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), and Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#8

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, FL In-state option

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Automotive Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Central Florida keeps building homes, warehouses, hospitals, and theme park facilities. Contractors need entry-level helpers and apprentices. Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls. Work is steady year round and often includes overtime. The field has solid job security and good wage growth with experience[^1].
  • Training path: 6–12 month electrical training or a registered apprenticeship. Many start as helpers and earn while they learn. See our electrician guide for tools, certifications, and next steps. Explore electrician careers.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Heat and humidity drive year-round service calls in Volusia and Seminole counties. Employers value EPA 608 certification and hands-on troubleshooting skills. Technicians work in residential, light commercial, and facility maintenance roles. Career ladders lead to installer, service tech, lead tech, and contractor[^1][^5].
  • Training path: 9–12 month HVAC/R diploma or A.S. degree. Add EPA Section 608 and manufacturer-specific credentials. Explore HVAC careers.

Welder

  • Welding supports construction, fabrication, marine repair on the coast, and theme-park projects near Orlando. Entry roles focus on MIG and flux-core. Structural and pipe welding can raise pay with experience and additional certs. Many employers accept performance qualifications aligned with AWS codes[^1].
  • Training path: 6–12 month welding program. Earn AWS or NCCER credentials to stand out. Explore welding careers.

Plumber

  • New housing, remodels, and commercial buildouts keep plumbing steady. Service firms also need techs for repairs and repipes. Apprenticeships combine wages with classroom training. Licensed contractors can run their own business after gaining experience[^1].
  • Training path: Pre-apprenticeship or helper role, then a 4-year apprenticeship. Local journeyman cards are issued at the county level in Florida. Explore plumbing careers.

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Skilled Trades & Construction

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Wind Turbine Technician $62,580 49.9%
Welder $49,430 2.2%
Solar Installer $46,130 42.1%
Plumber $50,540 4.5%
Lineworker $92,460 6.6%
Home Inspector $65,340 -0.8%
Heavy Equipment Operator $48,780 3.6%
HVAC Technician $50,580 8.1%
Flooring Installer $51,064 9.5%
Electrician $53,100 9.5%
Construction Worker $40,820 7.3%
Carpenter $48,080 4.5%

Mechanical & Automotive

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Gunsmith $46,330 2.4%
Diesel Technician $60,420 2.4%
CNC Machinist $50,570 0.0%
Automotive Technician $48,520 4.2%
Auto Mechanic $48,520 4.2%
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) $75,460 4.0%

Transportation & Utilities

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Truck Driver (CDL) $50,000 4.0%
Construction Manager $103,320 8.7%

Healthcare & Wellness

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician $40,380 9.1%
Surgical Technologist $61,030 4.5%
Sterile Processing Technician $44,070 10.0%
Radiologic Technologist $71,190 4.3%
Physical Therapy Aide $33,520 2.8%
Phlebotomy Technician $38,570 5.6%
Pharmacy Technician $39,640 6.4%
Personal Trainer $37,420 11.9%
Patient Care Technician $36,850 2.3%
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist $45,990 7.1%
Medical Assistant $41,380 12.5%
Massage Therapist $49,880 15.4%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) $60,080 2.6%
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $60,080 2.6%
EKG Technician $64,000 3.0%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer $81,240 13.0%
Dental Assistant $47,060 6.4%
Certified Nursing Assistant $36,850 2.3%

Culinary & Hospitality

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Pastry Chef $38,724 7.1%
Culinary Chef $38,724 7.1%
Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal $60,280 0.2%
Esthetician $38,060 6.7%
Digital Court Reporter $50,540 -0.3%
Cosmetologist $29,760 5.6%
Bookkeeper $47,980 -5.8%
Beauty Professional $29,760 5.6%

Animal & Service Careers

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Dog Trainer $36,190 5.1%

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

Electrician

  • Regulator: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board[^4].
  • To work as an employee: No statewide journeyman license. Many counties and cities issue journeyman cards. Employers may set hour and exam requirements.
  • To contract independently: Obtain a state Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) or Registered Electrical Contractor (ER) license. Typical steps:
    • 4 years of verifiable experience or a mix of education and experience.
    • Pass trade and business exams.
    • Provide financial responsibility, insurance, and background check.
    • Apply to DBPR and maintain continuing education.

HVAC/R

  • Regulator: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)[^4].
  • To work as a tech: EPA Section 608 certification required to handle refrigerants[^5]. Most techs work under a licensed contractor.
  • To contract independently: Class A Air-Conditioning (unlimited), Class B (limited tonnage), or Mechanical Contractor license. Steps:
    • 4 years of experience or education plus experience.
    • Pass trade and business exams.
    • Submit financials, insurance, background check.
    • Maintain continuing education.

Plumbing

  • Regulator: DBPR CILB for Certified or Registered Plumbing Contractor licenses[^4]. Local jurisdictions may issue journeyman cards.
  • Contractor steps mirror HVAC: experience, exams, insurance, and DBPR application.

Welding

  • Florida does not issue a state welder license. Employers and job sites rely on performance qualifications and certifications aligned with AWS codes or NCCER credentials[^6].
  • Many local projects require site-specific weld tests. Keep cert records current.

Aviation Maintenance

  • Regulator: FAA. Complete an FAA-approved A&P program or documented experience, then pass written, oral, and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant certificates.

Online & Flexible Options

You can finish trade theory online while doing labs on campus:

  • Florida Technical College and Southern Technical College offer blended courses with day, evening, and some weekend labs.
  • Daytona State and Seminole State provide hybrid formats for general education and some technical theory. Labs and competencies still happen in person.
  • UTI schedules day and evening cohorts. Orange Technical College and Lake Tech use modular, clock-hour formats that allow mid-year entry.
  • For HVAC, you can complete EPA 608 prep online, then test with an approved proctor[^5]. OSHA-10/30 and NCCER Core safety can also be delivered in blended formats[^6].

Always verify that online hours meet Florida licensing and employer standards. Hands-on lab time and verified competencies are what employers look for when hiring; outcomes vary by local market.

Next Steps

If you need help choosing a program, start with your target license. Then pick a nearby accredited school that teaches to the exam and offers employer connections.


[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVAC/R Mechanics, Plumbers, and Welders job outlook and wages. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institution profiles and program listings. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited Institutions Directory. https://www.accsc.org/ [^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/ [^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification for Refrigerants. https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^6]: NCCER, Industry-recognized credentials and curricula. https://www.nccer.org/