Best Trade Schools in Safety Harbor, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Safety Harbor. This guide lists accredited options near you, the trades hiring now, and the steps to get licensed in Florida. Use it to compare programs and plan your next move.

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Top Trade Schools in Safety Harbor

These schools are within a short drive of Safety Harbor and hold recognized accreditation or state approval. Program lengths are typical full‑time timelines.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician Electricians are needed across Tampa Bay for construction, service, and solar projects. The BLS projects steady national growth and consistent replacement demand as experienced workers retire.[^1] Training paths include school-based electricity programs or an apprenticeship. See what an electrician does and the gear you’ll use on the job here: /trades/electrician.

• HVAC/R Technician Florida’s climate keeps HVAC technicians busy year-round. Employers look for grads with strong troubleshooting skills and EPA 608 certification. The occupation is projected to grow faster than average nationwide, with strong demand in warm regions.[^1] Explore the HVAC career path and certifications: /trades/hvac.

• Welder Welders work in manufacturing, marine, construction, and repair around Tampa Bay. Many jobs require process tests to AWS codes. Short programs can get you job-ready with SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW, then you add advanced processes on the job.[^1] Learn about welding processes and certifications: /trades/welding.

• Plumber Plumbers handle residential and commercial installs, service, and medical gas systems. Florida’s construction market and service demand provide stable work, with apprenticeships a common entry path.[^1] See training options and license pathways: /trades/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

Florida licenses contractors at the state level through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Some journeyman cards are issued by local jurisdictions. Always confirm current rules before applying.

• Electrician

  • Choose your path: school plus supervised experience or a registered apprenticeship.
  • Local journeyman cards are issued by some counties/cities; check local building departments for requirements.
  • To run a business or pull permits statewide, become a Certified Electrical Contractor through the DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB): documented experience, pass the trade/business exams, financial responsibility, background check, and insurance.[^4]
  • Keep up with continuing education as required by the board.

• HVAC (Air-Conditioning Contractor)

  • Entry-level techs need EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants.[^6]
  • Contractor licensing is through the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB): Class A (no limits) or Class B (up to 25 tons cooling/500,000 BTU heating). Requires verified experience (education may offset part), passing scores on exams, background check, and insurance.[^5]
  • Many techs work under a licensed contractor while they log experience.

• Plumbing

  • Local journeyman cards may be required by some jurisdictions for employment; verify with your county/city.
  • To contract statewide, obtain a Certified Plumbing Contractor license via the CILB: experience, exam, background check, and insurance.[^5]

• Welding

  • Florida does not issue a state welder license. Employers and building departments often require performance qualifications to AWS codes (e.g., D1.1) or ASME for specific jobs.[^7]
  • Schools can help you prepare and test to relevant procedures.

Not sure which license you need? Ask your intended employer or apprenticeship sponsor first. Then confirm with the appropriate DBPR board.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid trade programs Many local schools offer hybrid formats where theory is online and labs are on campus. Look for this at Pinellas Technical College, St. Petersburg College workforce programs, Southern Technical College, and Remington College. Hands-on lab hours are still required for skills check-offs.

• Night and weekend schedules Working adults can find evening sections in electricity, HVAC, and welding at several schools listed above. Ask admissions for current cohort start dates.

• Short industry certifications Add safety and compliance quickly: OSHA-10/30, NCCER Core, CPR/First Aid, forklift, and EPA 608 (online proctoring available for certain sections). Your school’s testing center can guide you on approved providers and proctoring rules.[^6]

• Apprenticeship Paid training with related technical instruction in the classroom is a strong option for electricians, HVAC, and plumbing. Many programs partner with area colleges for credit toward an A.S. Verify program registration and credentials before you sign up.

How to Choose a School Near Safety Harbor

• Verify accreditation and licensure. Use College Navigator and the ACCSC directory to confirm status for the exact campus you plan to attend.[^2][^3]
• Tour the labs. Ask to see HVAC trainers, welding booths and machines, multimeters, and trainer boards. Check instructor certifications.
• Ask about externships and hiring partners. Strong programs publish placement or apprenticeship connections.
• Check schedules fit your life. Evening/weekend options are common in trades, but section availability changes each term.
• Plan for exams. Make sure your program includes EPA 608 (HVAC), code-based prep (electric), AWS performance tests (welding), or state contractor exam prep if that’s your goal.

Next Steps

• Compare more Florida options: /trade-school/florida/
• Browse all trades and career guides: /trades/
• Visit our guides hub for choosing schools, apprenticeships, and financial aid: /guides/
• Ready to shortlist? Contact 2–3 schools above, tour the labs, and ask about the next start date. Then choose the program that gets you licensed and job readyest.

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Sources

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians; HVAC Mechanics and Installers; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Search institutions by campus to verify programs and accreditation. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory (e.g., National Aviation Academy, Southern Technical College, Remington College). https://www.accsc.org/ [^4]: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) – Licensing and Exam Information. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/ [^5]: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) – Air-Conditioning and Plumbing Contractor Licenses. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ [^6]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (Refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^7]: American Welding Society (AWS), Certifications and Codes. https://www.aws.org/certification/