Best Trade Schools in Palm Bay, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Palm Bay. This guide compares accredited programs, typical program lengths, and specialties. It also explains Florida licensing steps, so you can start faster in 2025. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in demand with solid pay and steady work¹.

Top Trade Schools in Palm Bay

These schools are in Palm Bay or within a reasonable commute. All are accredited and focus on hands-on training.

School	Program Length	Highlights
Eastern Florida State College – Palm Bay Campus (Palm Bay)	6–24 months (certificates); 2 years (A.S.)	Regionally accredited (SACSCOC). Local campus. Engineering technology support, computer networking/cyber support, IT support, and workforce certificates. Day and evening schedules.
Eastern Florida State College – Advanced Manufacturing (Cocoa)	10–24 months	Regionally accredited (SACSCOC). Advanced manufacturing, CNC machining, mechatronics/robotics, and industrial maintenance tracks. Strong industry lab spaces and employer ties on the Space Coast.
Keiser University – Melbourne (Melbourne)	12–24 months	Regionally accredited (SACSCOC). Career-focused A.S. and diploma options in healthcare and technology. Small classes and frequent starts.
Osceola Technical College (oTECH) – Kissimmee	9–12 months	COE-accredited public technical college. HVAC/R, Electricity, Welding, and Plumbing. NCCER-aligned training. Day and evening cohorts.
Orange Technical College – Orlando Campus (Orlando)	9–12 months	COE-accredited public technical college. HVAC, Welding, Electricity, and Plumbing. NCCER credentials and strong apprenticeship links.
Universal Technical Institute – Orlando	11–18 months	ACCSC-accredited. Automotive and Diesel technician programs with manufacturer-specific training options. Hands-on labs and career services.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Orlando	18–24 months	ACCSC-accredited; FAA Part 147 A&P programs. Aviation maintenance technician and avionics tracks for aerospace employers on the Space Coast.
Fortis College – Winter Park (Orlando area)	9–12 months	ACCSC-accredited. HVAC/R technician training with EPA 608 exam prep. Flexible schedules and career services.

Tip: Visit each campus and ask about program start dates, lab hours, evening/weekend options, externships, and credential prep. Use College Navigator to confirm accreditation and program details².

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Job growth and replacement needs are steady nationwide, and median wages are strong¹. Many employers help apprentices earn hours while getting paid. Learn what electricians do and how to get licensed here: Electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

HVAC techs keep cooling and heating systems running in Florida’s hot climate. Employers value EPA 608 certification to handle refrigerants³. Programs often prepare you for NATE and OSHA 10 add-ons. Explore career paths and certifications: HVAC.

Welder

Welders work in fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Local employers may ask for AWS D1.1 structural or pipe welding codes. Hands-on lab time is essential for skill and speed. Learn key processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and job options: Welding.

Plumber

Plumbers install and service piping, fixtures, and gas lines. Work is year-round with overtime opportunities. In Florida, most techs train under a licensed contractor and stack industry credentials along the way. See training paths and licensing: Plumbing.

Note: National median wages for these trades are competitive and many roles include overtime and project premiums¹.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida regulates contracting at the state level and allows many technicians to work under a licensed contractor while they gain experience. Here are the typical steps by trade.

Electrician (Contractor licensing)

Oversight: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board⁴.
Path if you plan to run jobs/business:
- Get formal training or an apprenticeship (many programs align with NCCER)⁵.
- Accumulate the required experience (generally 4 years, including supervisory experience).
- Pass the Florida Certified Electrical Contractor exam (EC) or qualify as a Registered Electrical Contractor (ER) in a locality.
- Show financial responsibility, insurance, and background screening. Apply through DBPR.
Techs working for a licensed contractor typically do not need a separate state license. Many counties also offer journeyman cards; check local rules.

HVAC/R (Air Conditioning Contractor)

Oversight: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)⁴.
If you plan to contract:
- Choose Class A (unlimited) or Class B (up to 25 tons) license.
- Complete training/apprenticeship and required experience.
- Pass the state exam, document financials and insurance, and apply to DBPR.
All HVAC techs who handle refrigerants must earn EPA 608 certification³. Many employers also value NATE.

Plumber (Contractor licensing)

Oversight: Florida DBPR, CILB⁴.
To operate independently or pull permits:
- Complete apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
- Pass the Certified Plumbing Contractor exam (CFC).
- Provide insurance and financial documentation to DBPR.
Technicians commonly work under a licensed contractor while gaining hours toward contractor status.

Welder

Florida does not issue a state welder license.
Employers or municipalities may require AWS or ASME code certifications for specific processes and materials. Choose certifications that match your job goals and local demand.

Always verify current requirements with DBPR or your local building department before you enroll or test.

Online & Flexible Options

Hybrid programs: Many schools above blend online theory with in-person labs. This can cut commute time while keeping the hands-on training you need.
Night and weekend cohorts: Public technical colleges commonly run evening sections for HVAC, Electricity, Welding, and Plumbing. Ask about lab access hours.
Exam prep: Online modules can help you prepare for EPA 608, OSHA-10/30, and code exams. You must still test in approved settings.
Accelerated terms: Private career schools often offer monthly starts and accelerated schedules for faster completion.

Compare options across trades here: All Trades. For planning, scholarships, and career-change tips, see our Guides.

Next Steps

Explore the Florida state hub: Trade Schools in Florida.
Compare programs by trade: Trades Hub.
Start from the main directory: Trade School Finder.
Make campus visits. Ask about accreditation, completion rates, employer partnerships, credential pass rates, and job placement support.

Palm Bay has solid options close by, plus strong regional schools within an hour. Pick the program that fits your schedule, gets you the right credentials, and connects you with local employers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2025. ↩ ↩ ↩
U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institution profiles and accreditation). ↩
U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program (Technician Certification). ↩ ↩
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Licensing Boards and Applications. ↩ ↩ ↩
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Industry-Recognized Credentials. ↩

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.