Best Trade Schools in Sarasota Metro, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Sarasota Metro. This guide lists accredited programs, hands-on options, and flexible paths in the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton area. You’ll also find quick steps for Florida licensing in high-demand trades and trusted sources to check outcomes and accreditation123.

Top Trade Schools in Sarasota

The schools below serve Sarasota and Manatee counties with accredited career and technical training. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for current schedules.

Name Program Length Highlights
Suncoast Technical College (Sarasota) 2 6–18 months Public technical college. NCCER-aligned training in Electricity, HVAC/R, Welding, Plumbing, Automotive, Marine Service, and Practical Nursing. Day/evening cohorts, strong employer ties.
Manatee Technical College (Bradenton) 2 6–18 months Public technical college with labs for Electricity, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Welding, Diesel, Marine Service, Automotive, and Allied Health. Apprenticeship pathways and industry certifications.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton/Venice/Lakewood Ranch) 2 8–24 months AS degrees and college credit certificates in Engineering Technology (advanced manufacturing/CNC), Drafting/Design, Logistics/Supply Chain, and Health Sciences. Mix of hands-on labs and online coursework.
Keiser University – Sarasota 2 8–24 months Accredited private university campus offering career-focused AS programs in Medical Assisting, IT, Health Services, and more. One-class-at-a-time formats and daytime/evening options.
Meridian College (Sarasota) 3 9–12 months ACCSC-accredited career college specializing in Cosmetology, Esthetics/Skin Care, and Medical Assisting. Small cohorts and clinic/lab practice.

How to evaluate your fit:

  • Look for programs that align to industry standards like NCCER for construction trades or EPA 608 for HVAC/R refrigerants45.
  • Use College Navigator to verify accreditation, completion, and placement data2.
  • Ask about evening sections, externships, and prep for state or national exams.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • New residential and commercial growth in Southwest Florida keeps electrical work steady. Apprenticeships and NCCER-based school programs can shorten your time to proficiency. Electricians earn solid wages and enjoy strong national demand through 20321.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Florida’s climate drives year-round service calls. Employers value grads with hands-on troubleshooting and EPA 608 credentials to handle refrigerants4. Preventive maintenance, heat pump installs, and IAQ upgrades are common revenue streams.

Welder

  • Fabrication, marine, and construction welding remain active along the Gulf Coast. Multi-process skills (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW) improve job options. Local employers often test on site; schools with booth time and plate/pipe practice help you ramp up quickly1.

Plumber

  • Plumbing contractors are busy with new builds, remodels, and service work. Progression often runs from helper to apprentice to journeyman (local) and then contractor. Backflow, medical gas, and gas piping skills can boost pay1.

Tip: Review your target trade page for typical duties, certifications, and paths: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida licenses most construction trades at the contractor level statewide through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Many entry-level technicians work under a licensed contractor while they gain experience6.

Electrician (Contractor Level)

  • Licensing authority: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board6.
  • Common path:
    • Complete an electrical school program or registered apprenticeship (NCCER-aligned training is a plus)5.
    • Accumulate qualifying experience (often ~4 years) under a licensed contractor.
    • Pass the Certified Electrical Contractor exam (or become a Registered Contractor for specific localities).
    • Provide financial responsibility/insurance and complete continuing education to renew.
  • Note: Florida does not issue a statewide journeyman license; some local jurisdictions recognize journeyman cards.

HVAC/R (Air Conditioning Contractor)

  • Licensing authority: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board6.
  • Common path:
    • Complete HVAC/R training or apprenticeship.
    • Earn EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification (required for anyone servicing systems with regulated refrigerants)4.
    • Qualify by experience to sit for the Class A or Class B Air Conditioning Contractor exam; meet insurance and financial requirements.
  • Technicians who are not contractors can work under a licensed contractor.

Plumbing (Contractor Level)

  • Licensing authority: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board6.
  • Common path:
    • School or apprenticeship + documented experience (often ~4 years).
    • Pass the Certified Plumbing Contractor exam (or Registered for a locality).
    • Maintain insurance and continuing education for renewal.

Welding

  • No state license required for general welding work.
  • Employers often require proof of competency and may prefer performance-based credentials aligned to recognized standards. Strong school lab experience and employer weld tests are key15.

General notes

  • OSHA-10/30 outreach cards are widely requested on job sites.
  • Background checks and driving records may be needed for field service roles.
  • Timelines vary: certificates can be 6–12 months; apprenticeships run ~3–4 years.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Local schools often deliver lecture online with required on-campus labs for trades like HVAC, welding, and electricity. Ask Suncoast Technical College, Manatee Technical College, and SCF about evening or weekend labs2.
  • Accelerated theory: EPA 608 test prep and code/safety theory can be taken online, but you still need hands-on practice for hiring confidence4.
  • Degree completion: SCF and Keiser offer online general education and selected career courses that pair with in-person labs or clinicals2.
  • Apprenticeships: Many employers sponsor earn-while-you-learn training. NCCER-based curricula map well to competency progression5.

Next Steps

  • Compare Florida trade schools: Visit the Florida state hub for more campuses near you.
  • Research trades: Explore requirements, certifications, and career paths in the Trades Hub.
  • Learn how to choose: See our Guides for picking a program, financial aid, and preparing for licensing exams.
  • Browse all locations: Start from the main Trade School directory.

Local programs fill fast. Tour campuses, meet instructors, and confirm accreditation and exam prep before you enroll. The right school should fit your schedule, budget, and target license.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and employment trends for skilled trades. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator — profiles for Suncoast Technical College, Manatee Technical College, State College of Florida, and Keiser University campus programs. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Institution Directory — accreditation for Meridian College (Sarasota). ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification for handling refrigerants. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER — National construction education standards, credentials, and curricula. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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.