Best Trade Schools in Pinecrest, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Pinecrest. This guide focuses on accredited technical colleges and career schools close to Pinecrest, plus the licenses you need to work in Florida. You will also find the top trades hiring in Miami-Dade and flexible training options for busy adults. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady demand in the Miami metro[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Pinecrest

These schools are in or near Miami-Dade County and enroll students from Pinecrest. Program lengths are typical full-time ranges.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Electricians install and service electrical systems in homes, condos, and commercial buildings. Miami’s growth keeps steady work flowing for contractors and service firms[^1]. Start with an electricity program or an apprenticeship. Many grads move into low-voltage, solar, or construction wiring. Learn more: Electrician.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • South Florida’s heat and humidity make HVAC a year-round business. Techs work in residential service, commercial chillers, and refrigeration for restaurants and hospitals. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^5]. Learn more: HVAC.

• Welder

  • Welders support construction, marine, aerospace, and manufacturing around Miami-Dade. Certifications in structural or pipe welding can boost pay. Training focuses on SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and blueprint reading. Learn more: Welding.

• Plumber

  • Plumbers install and repair water, sewer, and gas systems in homes and businesses. Many start as helpers, then qualify for journeyman and contractor licensing with experience and exams[^1]. Learn more: Plumbing.

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

Licensing is handled at the state level for contractors and often at the county level for journeyman cards. Here are the basics for Florida and Miami-Dade.

• Electrician

  • Contractor licenses: Certified Electrical Contractor (EC, statewide) or Registered Electrical Contractor (ER, local) through the Florida Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (DBPR)[^4].
  • Typical steps: Get related training or an apprenticeship, document about 4 years of experience, pass trade and business exams, provide background, credit, and insurance[^4].
  • Journeyman cards are issued locally in many Florida counties. Miami-Dade recognizes journeyman electrician with experience and an exam.

• HVAC/R

  • Contractor licenses: Class A (unlimited) or Class B (up to 25 tons and 500,000 BTU heating) via the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (DBPR)[^4].
  • Typical steps: 4 years verified experience or a mix of education and experience, pass trade and business exams, financial responsibility, and insurance[^4].
  • Federal requirement: EPA Section 608 certification to service systems with refrigerants[^5].

• Plumbing

  • Contractor license: Certified Plumbing Contractor (statewide) or Registered Plumbing Contractor (local) via DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board[^4].
  • Journeyman licensing is local. Miami-Dade issues journeyman plumber cards based on experience and exam.

• Welding

  • Florida does not issue a state welder license. Employers and projects may require AWS Certified Welder or similar credentials. BLS notes industry certifications improve job prospects[^1].

Always confirm current requirements and forms on the Florida DBPR site before you apply[^4].

Online & Flexible Options

If you need a flexible schedule, look for:

• Hybrid trade programs at the Miami-Dade public technical colleges. Safety, codes, and theory often run online, with labs scheduled on campus.
• Evening or weekend cohorts. Many electricity, HVAC, and welding programs offer night tracks so you can work while training.
• Modular start dates at private career schools. These let you begin sooner and take one course at a time.
• Test-out and certification prep. Schools in this area commonly include EPA 608, NCCER modules, OSHA 10, and manufacturer training.
• Online support for allied health and IT. Anatomy, medical office, and computer networking theory can be completed online with in-person labs or clinicals.

Ask each school about:

• Lab hours and make-up policies
• Employer partnerships and outcomes data
• Included certification exams
• Required tools and uniforms

Next Steps

• Compare Florida programs: Florida Trade School Hub
• Explore careers and licenses: All Trades
• See how to choose and pay for training: Guides
• Browse more states and cities: Trade School Directory

Visit or call at least two schools from the list above. Tour the labs, ask about placement, and confirm upcoming start dates. Pick the program that matches your timeline and the license you plan to earn in Florida.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School 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. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608