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You’ll see a lot of antique shops and early 1900s architecture when you visit Lakeland, a city in Florida prominent for its picturesque downtown and countless lakes.
There are also over 150 schools here, and while it’s common to eye long programs, the city also has an array of trade schools that offer short-term courses ideal for aspiring trade professionals.
Here, a skilled worker earns an average of $17.65 hourly, but the salary can go as high as $1,680 a week for trade professions in the healthcare sector.
For a list of trade schools, we compiled ten of which you should check.
Integra Health Nursing Prep Institute
About the School
Integra Health Nursing Prep Institute is a gateway to enter different technical trade pathways as it offers health-related and non-health-related programs.
It’s a good option to consider whether you’re looking into a career change or starting out in the industry.
Classes are affordable and in convenient hours and lengths to ensure that they align with the needs of different students.
Courses Offered
The CNA Program prepares students for the State Certification Exam and covers a variety of skills and lessons needed when working at nursing homes, hospitals, Adult Care Centers, Doctor Offices, hospices, home care, personal homes, and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF).
CPR Training is also available and is in sync with the American Heart Association.
There are also online programs such as:
- Medical Assistant
- Business
- Coding and Billing
Other Certifications include:
- EKG Technician – Live Online
- EKG Technician with Exam Voucher – Live Online
- Medical Administrative Assistant – Live Online
- Medical Administrative Assistant with Exam Voucher – Live Online
- Medical Assistant – Live Online (Internship Sold Separately)
- Medical Assistant – Live Online (Internship Sold Separately) with Exam Voucher
- Medical Billing and Coding – Live Online
- Medical Billing and Coding with Exam Voucher – Live Online
- Pharmacy Technician – Live Online
- Pharmacy Technician with Exam Voucher – Live Online
- Physical Therapy Technician with Exam Voucher – Live Online
While offered online, these certification programs are still instructor-led.
Contact
- Integra Health Nursing Prep Institute
- Address: 921 East Parker Street St#4 Lakeland, FL 33801
- Phone: (813) 363 2591
- Website: https://www.integracnaprep.com
Empire Beauty Schools
About the School
There are various beauty programs to consider at the Empire Beauty School.
From cosmetology to Aesthetics, and even educator training, the school ensures its instructors are fully qualified to tackle such programs.
The school is also accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Financial aid and scholarships are also available upon one’s perusal.
Courses Offered
Master your flair for style with the 1200-hour Cosmetology Program at the Empire Beauty School which also utilizes the latest trends, in haircutting, coloring, and design.
Included in the course program fees is the full student kit which includes all tools and products needed to complete the cosmetology program.
If you’re passionate about making other people feel better about themselves, then the best wellness program to take is the Empire Beauty Schools’ Esthetics program.
Here, you’ll learn about facials, waxing, and makeup artistry.
Contact
- Empire Beauty Schools
- Address: 5101 U.S Highway 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33809
- Phone: 863-274-1459
- Website: https://www.empire.edu
Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy
About the School
At the Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy, the goal is to make everyone else’s dreams possible.
More than a nail technician school, the academy offers skin care, cosmetology, barbering, spa therapy, massage therapy, and a unique full specialist program too.
It has been providing its trade programs all over Florida, since 1985.
The school also boasts a welcoming culture and hands-on instructors who promise to deliver more than quality education, but also a bridge towards the industry through its career placement programs.
Courses Offered
To ensure that the quality of education provided is superb, the school evaluates its faculty frequently and is required to attend continuing education classes.
Classes are offered year-round and classes start every month so courses are more versatile.
There are also day and evening options to ensure that they fit the schedules of both working individuals and freshmen students.
This small private academy offers the following programs.
- Cosmetology Program
- Skincare Program
- Full Specialist Program
- Nail Program
- Massage Therapy Program
- Spa Therapist Program
- Barber Education Programs
Contact
- Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy
- Address: 985 E. Memorial Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33801
- Phone: (863) 682 – HAIR
- Website: https://www.artistic.edu
Southern Technical College
About the School
The numerous career training programs at Southern Technical College are an opportunity to expand your knowledge and upskill in certain trade professions that can help jumpstart a progressive professional career.
Its competency-based education is familiar to employers, which is another reason why you should go to STC.
Here, instructors don’t just rely on the books as they also leverage personal experiences to make learning more interactive and engaging.
Courses Offered
If you’re looking for a healthcare career, the Allied Health Pathway at STC offers Associate in Science and Diploma Programs such as:
Associate in Science Degrees
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Surgical Technician
Diploma Program
- Medical Assistant
The Technical Trades Pathway at STC is also commendable, as it exposes students to the most in-demand programs used in the current job market.
Here are the Technical Trades Programs:
Associate in Science Degrees
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
- Electrical Trades Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Welding Technology
Diploma Program
- Electrical Technology
- HVAC
Contact
- Southern Technical College
- Address: 450 Havendale Blvd. Auburndale, FL 33823
- Phone: (863) 551-1112
- Website: https://www.southerntech.edu
Polk State Corporate College
About the School
The Polk State Corporate College caters to numerous workforce training programs in different sectors such as the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Child Care Training Institute, College Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing (CAAM) Institute, Construction Institute, Machining Institute, Contractor Safety Training Institute, Insurance Institute, IT/Computer Institute, Professional Development Institute, and Real Estate Institute.
Empowered by its mission, the college ensures it is able to deliver customized training solutions and continuing education to enhance the skills of those in Polk County and nearby.
Courses Offered
The Advanced Manufacturing Insitute provides time-efficient instructional methods in classes.
- Electrical Maintenance Courses
- Mechanical Maintenance Courses
- Industrial Maintenance Technician Program
- Industry Certification Programs
- Customized Courses / Programs
- ISO Certification Training
A Real Estate Program is also offered where you can enroll as a Real Estate Sales Associate or in the Real Estate CE Bundle, 14 hours.
The Contractor Health and Safety Training Program offers the following:
- Florida Phosphate Producers Class Descriptions
- Mosaic Florida Site-specific Training
Online learning is also available for the following short courses:
- Child Care
- ProTrain
- ed2g0
- CLS by Barbri
- JER Online
- Insurance
- Real Estate
Contact
- Polk State Corporate College
- Address: 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, Florida 33803
- Phone: (863) 297-1000
- Website: https://www.polk.edu
Central CNA
About the School
Locally owned and operated, the Central CNA is a small nursing school that prepares students to sit the Florida CNA License Exam, without spending thousands of dollars.
In about a month, the staff will assist you in preparing for the examination, and even guide you on your state application.
Moreover, it has spacious classrooms to ensure efficient learning with a hands-on study program.
Courses Offered
The Tuition fee at Central CNA is very affordable and costs only $339 with books and reviews included.
While a high school or GED Diploma is not required, you must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for the program.
In the CNA course, you will receive 24 hours of expert medical training including course manuals, demonstrations, and in-depth chapter reviews.
Contact
- Central CNA
- Address: 5100 US Hwy 98 N #17, Lakeland, FL 33809
- Phone: 863-937-9316
- Website: http://www.centralcna.com
Florida Technical College
About the School
Backed with 40 years of experience in training students in the technical career field, Florida Technical College ensures a focused and innovative learning approach in its curriculum.
This system only allows students to take one course on a monthly basis to maximize concentration on the subject being tackled.
To fit in with the current trend, FTC also offers a flexible schedule, especially for aspiring professionals who are juggling studies with other responsibilities, may it be work or personal.
The healthcare career programs at FTC are aligned with the industry trend to secure a career roadmap for future professionals.
Courses Offered
Courses at FTC are offered in Spanish and English.
It also offers Bachelors and Diploma programs in many pathways such as:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
With a huge selection of programs in the Construction Trades pathway, you can surely land one that will fit your interest.
Here are the programs offered in the Construction Trades:
- Electrical
- Electrical with PLC
- HVAC
- HVAC/R with PLC
- Welding
Students who are more passionate about a course in healthcare can choose either of the following diploma programs:
- Medical Assistant Technician
- Medical Assistant Technician – Bilingual
- Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
The Hospitality Pathway offers Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts.
Barbering and Cosmetology Programs are also available.
Contact
- Florida Technical College
- Address: 4715 S. Florida Ave. Suite 4. Lakeland, Florida 33813
- Phone: (844) 402-3337
- Website: https://www.ftccollege.edu/campus/ftc-lakeland
Career Tech
About the School
A career in truck driving is amongst the most profitable careers, as not only do you get a job, you earn a life skill.
Career Tech is an adult vocational school whose main goal is to serve aspiring truck drivers in Florida through its Truck Driver Training Programs.
The institution also takes the nod of the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.
Courses Offered
Career Tech offers four areas of study.
The Commercial Truck Driver Training (Class A Only) is composed of 160 hours of combined classroom lectures and hands-on-training.
It can be completed in four weeks, and the Florida Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Test and is a preparation for the Florida Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Test.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Truck Driver Training (Class A Only) is longer and almost twice as many hours needed, but it tackles a greater detail than the commercial one.
The other two trainings include Commercial Class B Training and Bus Driver Training.
Contact
- Career Tech
- Address: 2219 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
- Phone: (863) 688-8800
- Website: https://careertech.edu
Koe Barber Academy
About the School
Koe Barber Academy is an institution that offers intensive barber classes for those looking to make their hobby or passion into a full-time career and business.
It also offers a cosmetology program and the tuition fee costs around $5,878.
To enroll, you’ll be required to score more than 200 on verbal and 215 on the quantitative part of the Wonderlic Ability to Benefit Test to be qualified for admission.
For clinical training, the schools cater a 20:1 ratio, while generally, it has a 30:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Courses Offered
Classes here are rendered from Tuesday to Saturday.
The cosmetology program is a 1200-hour intensive training about the art and profession of Cosmetology and takes around 10 months to complete.
This cosmetology curriculum includes topics on HIV/Aids, Florida Laws, Sanitation and Sterilization, Chemical Waving, Relaxing, Hair coloring, and Hair Shaping.
Meanwhile, the Restricted Barber Program is also a 1200-hour training that includes practical and theoretical teaching on the art of barbering.
The Restricted Barber Program costs $5,325, which includes the registration fee, tuition fee, books and supplies, and license fee.
There’s also a separate Barber Program which costs $ 6344.00.
Contact
- Koe Barber Academy
- Address: 437 S Central Ave, Lakeland, Florida 33815
- Phone: (863) 500-7773
- Website: https://www.koebarberacademy.net
International Aero Academy
About the School
There’s an incredibly huge financial potential in the field of aviation, and institutions like the International Aero Academy are a gateway to achieving success in this profession.
The multi-engine rating program at the International Aero Academy prepares students to swiftly understand the aerodynamic differences between single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, and the course is designed to not only pass but exceed the FAA standards.
It is also a uniquely qualified FAA-certified 141 flight school that offers 100% Tuition Financing.
Courses Offered
There is a wide curriculum of training programs to take at the International Space Academy.
The Private Pilot License Program allows you to earn your license in a span of 3 weeks and has an in-house examining authority.
If you’re eyeing a career as a Professional Airline Pilot, you can take the Private Commercial Inclusive Program and also top-up the Multi Engine Program.
The Multi-Engine Rating Program upskills professional pilots from flying single-engine aircraft to multi-engine aircraft.
Another Pilot Upskilling Program is the Instrument Rating Program, and Flight Instructor Ratings.
Resuming Pilots or transferees can take the “Finish Up” Training Program.
Contact
- International Aero Academy
- Address: 3131 Flightline Dr, Ste. 315 Lakeland, FL, USA 33811
- Phone: (863) 401 – 3592
- Website: https://internationalaeroacademy.com
Trade Schools in Florida by City
Final Thoughts
Spending lengthy hours in school doesn’t always guarantee a good career, especially with how crowded the labor market is in most professions.
However, there will always be room and exemption for skilled careers.
Whether you’re eyeing to work right away or using this trades course as a lateral program, the sure thing is that certification here won’t go to waste.
This list of schools is one to check out when gauging your options.