Select a program of interest to explore trade schools that match your goals.
Here are the best schools in South Daytona. This guide compares accredited options near you, shows which trades are hiring, and explains Florida licensing steps. Use it to pick a fast, affordable program and move straight into work. Most programs below finish in a year or less and prepare you for entry-level certifications and apprenticeships123.
| Name | Program Length | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona State College (Daytona Beach) | 8-24 months certificates; 2-year A.S. options | Public, regionally accredited (SACSCOC). Hands-on labs for HVAC/R, Welding Technology, Automotive Service, Building/Construction, Electrical, Cosmetology. Strong ties with Volusia employers. Night and day schedules available2. |
| Florida Technical College - DeLand | 9-18 months diplomas/associate | ACCSC-accredited. HVAC/R, Welding, Electrical, Medical Assistant. Blended learning with block scheduling. Preps for EPA 608 and entry-level NCCER modules3. |
| Daytona College (Ormond Beach) | 9-18 months diplomas/associate | ACCSC-accredited. Cosmetology, Barbering, Medical Assistant, Skin care and spa. Small class sizes; exam prep for Florida cosmetology boards32. |
| Flagler Technical College (Palm Coast) | 10-12 months career certificates | COE-accredited. Welding Technology, Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, CDL. Employer-aligned credentials and day/evening options42. |
| Universal Technical Institute - Orlando | 11-18 months certificates | ACCSC-accredited. Automotive and Diesel Technology with manufacturer-aligned curriculum. Industry tools, strong placement support3. |
| Orange Technical College - Mid Florida Campus (Orlando) | 10-14 months career certificates | COE-accredited. HVAC/R, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing. NCCER-aligned curriculum with night options and apprenticeship connections4. |
| First Coast Technical College (St. Augustine) | 10-18 months career certificates | COE-accredited. Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive, Diesel, Culinary. Hands-on shops; industry certifications built in42. |
Tip: Tour labs and ask about tool lists, certification pass rates, and employer partnerships before you enroll. Verify institutional accreditation through ACCSC, COE, or regional accreditors, and check program approvals where required234.
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Electrician Florida’s construction and service sectors continue to add electrician jobs with steady replacement needs. Apprenticeships lead to journeyman roles and contracting careers. Overtime and project work can boost pay. Growth is supported by residential builds, commercial TI, solar, and EV infrastructure1.
HVAC/R Technician Air conditioning is essential in Central Florida. Demand rises in summer, creating strong entry-level openings. EPA 608 is required to handle refrigerants. Technicians with brazing skills, digital controls knowledge, and customer service do well15.
Welder Fabrication, marine repair, construction, and manufacturing around Volusia and Flagler counties all use welders. Structural, pipe, and TIG skills improve job options. AWS code-test readiness is a plus1.
Plumber Service plumbing, new construction, and remodel work are steady. Apprenticeship, backflow testing, and gas-fitting add value. Contractor licensure opens supervisory and business ownership paths1.
BLS projects continued demand for these trades through 2032 in Florida, driven by population growth, construction activity, and replacement needs1.
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring Installer | $56,326 | 9.5% |
| Plumber | $52,910 | 4.5% |
| Welder | $50,640 | 2.2% |
| Carpenter | $49,870 | 4.5% |
| Construction Worker | $44,030 | 7.3% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $113,130 | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | $68,170 | -0.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Lineworker | $86,870 | 6.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $64,120 | 49.9% |
| Tower Technician | $60,140 | 8.6% |
| Electrician | $57,250 | 9.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $56,670 | 8.1% |
| Solar Installer | $50,550 | 42.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $76,940 | 4.0% |
| Diesel Technician | $60,490 | 2.4% |
| Gunsmith | $59,310 | 2.0% |
| CNC Machinist | $57,140 | 0.0% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $50,640 | 4.0% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $49,400 | 3.6% |
| Auto Mechanic | $48,260 | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | $48,260 | 4.2% |
| Maintenance Technician | $46,060 | 3.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $61,770 | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $61,770 | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $45,760 | 5.2% |
| Medical Assistant | $43,680 | 12.5% |
| Mental Health Technician | $43,570 | 20.0% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $37,510 | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | $37,510 | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | $33,800 | 17.0% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $82,940 | 13.0% |
| EKG Technician | $77,140 | 3.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | $76,750 | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | $62,440 | 4.5% |
| Optician | $58,850 | 2.9% |
| Dental Assistant | $47,620 | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $45,890 | 10.0% |
| Pharmacy Technician | $43,590 | 6.4% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $40,230 | 5.6% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $45,760 | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | $41,730 | 4.2% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $71,630 | 19.2% |
| Massage Therapist | $49,680 | 15.4% |
| Personal Trainer | $38,800 | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $35,140 | 2.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | $46,380 | 9.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,830 | 8.7% |
| Dog Trainer | $36,870 | 5.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Esthetician | $43,880 | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | $29,530 | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | $29,530 | 5.6% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | $39,604 | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | $39,604 | 7.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | $61,000 | 0.2% |
| Bookkeeper | $49,330 | -5.8% |
| Digital Court Reporter | $49,240 | -0.3% |
Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; job growth uses state projections when available and national projections when state data is unavailable.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. 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.
Use these steps as a roadmap. Always verify current rules with the state board and your local jurisdiction.
Electricians
HVAC/R (Air Conditioning)
Plumbers
Welders
Keep your records. Save proof of hours, W-2s, affidavits, and course certificates. You’ll need them for applications and exams.
Visit campuses, confirm accreditation, and ask about placement help and certification pass rates. With the right program, you can start a skilled career in South Daytona in under a year.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment Projections for construction and installation trades. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles for accreditation and program offerings. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), directory of accredited institutions. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Council on Occupational Education (COE), accredited institutions list. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Volusia County Contractor Licensing, local journeyman and contractor registration requirements. ↩︎ ↩︎
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
NCCER, industry-recognized construction craft credentials. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
