Construction Trades Programs in Orlando, Florida

Finding Construction Trades Schools in Orlando, Florida

If you’re considering a career in construction trades and live in Orlando, Florida, you’re in the right place. Construction trades include a wide variety of skilled professions—such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC installation—that focus on building and maintaining essential infrastructure. Careers in these fields offer long-term job stability and high growth potential. This guide will walk you through local options for education, apprenticeship programs, and certification requirements to help you launch your career in construction trades.

About Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is not only known for being a world-class tourist destination with its theme parks and entertainment options, but it is also a growing hub for construction activity. Its expanding metropolitan area includes thriving neighborhoods such as Lake Nona and Winter Park, making it an excellent city to enter the construction trades workforce. To explore more about the city, visit the City of Orlando’s official website.

Construction Trades Programs in Orlando, Florida

Choosing the right training program to gain the skills you need for a career in construction is crucial. Here are three schools in Orlando offering construction trades programs:

1. Valencia College

   • Program: Valencia College offers a Construction and Civil Engineering Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program. This program is designed to equip students with a foundation in construction management, drafting, and civil engineering principles.
   • Location: Orlando, FL.
   • Website: Valencia College Construction Program.

2. Orange Technical College – Mid Florida Campus

   • Program: The Carpentry program at Orange Technical College Mid Florida Campus offers hands-on training in practical carpentry skills. Programs like HVAC and Electrical are also available.
   • Location: Mid Florida Campus, Orlando, FL.
   • Website: Orange Technical College.

3. Seminole State College of Florida

   • Program: Although located slightly outside Orlando, Seminole State College offers a Building Trade Technologies Career Certificate program. This short-term program is ideal for individuals aiming to quickly enter construction trades.
   • Location: Sanford, FL (approx. 20 miles from Orlando).
   • Website: Seminole State College Construction Program.

Construction Employment Opportunities in Orlando

Once trained, finding employment in Orlando’s thriving construction industry is the next step. Here are three major companies offering opportunities in construction trades:

1. PCL Construction

   • About: PCL Construction is a large, diversified construction company offering residential and commercial construction services in Orlando and beyond.
   • Location: Millenia neighborhood, Orlando, FL.
   • Website: PCL Construction Careers.

2. Brasfield & Gorrie

   • About: Known for a variety of projects ranging from healthcare to commercial construction, Brasfield & Gorrie is one of Orlando’s leading contractors.
   • Neighborhood: South Eola District, Orlando, FL.
   • Website: Brasfield & Gorrie Careers.

3. Wharton-Smith, Inc.

   • About: Wharton-Smith, based out of Sanford near Orlando, specializes in water and wastewater construction as well as industrial and municipal projects.
   • Website: Wharton-Smith Careers.

Prerequisites for Construction Trades Programs

To enroll in a construction trades program, you typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be at least 18 years old, though some apprenticeship programs accept younger applicants with parental consent.
• Physical fitness to meet the demands of construction work.
• Passing entrance exams or background checks if required by the program.

Certification and Licensure Requirements in Florida

Florida requires construction professionals to meet specific state-level licensing criteria. Here’s what you should know:

1. Certification vs. Registration

   • A Certified Contractor License allows you to work anywhere in Florida.
   • A Registered Contractor License restricts your scope to the county or city where you are registered.

2. Certified Contractor License Requirements

   • Pass the Florida contractor’s examination.
   • Meet specific financial stability standards.
   • Have four years of field experience (or equivalent education/experience).
   • Provide liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

3. General Contractor Experience

   • Demonstrate skills in at least four of six core areas: foundations/slabs (20,000+ sq. ft.), masonry walls, steel erection, elevated slabs, column erection, and formwork for reinforced concrete.

4. City of Orlando License

   • Must be obtained for local work and involves passing an exam.

For more details, visit the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Licensure Reciprocity

Florida does not have extensive licensure reciprocity agreements with other states. However, professionals moving from other states may be eligible for endorsement licenses if they meet Florida’s experience and examination criteria.

Get Started Today

A career in construction trades is both rewarding and in high demand in Orlando, Florida. With the right training, you can enter this industry and build a successful career. Take the first step today by reaching out to one of the schools listed above to learn more about their programs, and start moving toward your future in construction trades.

For more information about career prospects, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook for construction trades workers.