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Known as the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine has historical landmarks and cobblestone streets to fancy for.
It is also home to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! original museum.
The average salary of skilled trade workers is $15.72 per hour, the highest is $19.15 while the lowest is $12.91.
Here’s the list of the best technical and career training schools for your perusal:
First Coast Technical College
About the School
Numbers don’t lie as they prove that First Coast Technical College is one of Northeast Florida’s best schools to earn your degree or certificate.
It has 96% licensure passers rate, 91% job placement rate, and 89% completion rate.
The school was founded in 1965 as St. Augustine Technical Center.
Its mission is to create a training center that meets the workforce requirements of employers in various industries.
It has relevant programs that empower and equip students with the necessary trade skills.
Courses Offered
The Dental Assisting program provides advanced clinical instructions and dental operations training.
For those who want a role in the emergency response team, the Emergency Medical Technician is the best choice.
The Medical Assisting program prepares students to be part of the medical team in preventive healthcare,
Learn lifesaving skills and work with medical practitioners through the Paramedic program.
If you love cooking, become a culinary apprentice through the Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality course.
Learn how to use the latest techniques and products for hair, nail, and skincare through the Cosmetology program.
For people who are keen on makeup application, facial treatments, and skin rejuvenation, the Facials Specialty is recommended.
Master the welding techniques and use of fabrication equipment through the Welding Technology & Welding Technology Advanced program.
The HVAC/R 1 & 2 program provides immersive hands-on experience to students in using advanced equipment and emerging technologies.
Contact
- First Coast Technical College
- Address: 2980 Collins Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: (904) 547-3282
- Website: https://fctc.edu
St. Johns River State College
About the School
A true community college with a solid reputation for providing quality and enriching training to the future workforce, St. Johns River State College continues its academic mission.
It was established in 1958 and has produced successful graduates in various industries.
With comprehensive academic programs that provide certificates, SJR welcomes a diverse student population and gives them the best possible learning through its dynamic instructors and modern facilities.
The intense training and immersive classroom instructions prepare students to qualify for job opportunities after graduation.
Courses Offered
A year-long Practical Nursing program is the best route to get an entry-level job in the healthcare industry and qualify to take the State Board Exam.
Become a certified nurse aide or nursing assistant (CNA) through the 120-hour Nursing Assistant program.
Allied Health Certificate programs like Medical Assisting, Paramedic, and Emergency Medical Technician equip students with skills to work in ambulatory care facilities, clinics, or hospitals.
Completing the Accounting Technology Management course and Accounting Technology Operations leads to the QuickBooks certification.
The Robotics and Simulation Technician, Mechatronics, and Engineering Technology Support Specialist Certificate courses are under the Engineering Technology program.
A certification in Criminal Justice Technology Specialist course and a Homeland Security Specialist course can lead to getting a support position and working with law enforcers.
Programs:
- Practical Nursing
- Nursing Assistant
- Allied Health
- Accounting Technology Management
- Accounting Technology Operations
- Engineering Technology Support Specialist
- Robotics and Simulation Technician
- Mechatronics
- Criminal Justice Technology Specialist
- Homeland Security Specialist
- And more
Contact
- St. Johns River State College
- Address: 2990 College Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: (904) 808-7400
- Website: https://www.sjrstate.edu
JTech Institute
About the School
Preparation is the key to a successful career, hence, you need to find the best school that provides premium training and learning.
J-Tech Institute is the name you can trust when it comes to hands-on experiences that prepare you for a real-world job.
This non-profit academic institution motivates students to believe in their own potential and capabilities to secure well-paid jobs.
To facilitate job placement for graduates, it partnered with the community and top companies.
It has a 168,000-square-foot facility where the new generation of highly skilled professionals is trained to become assets in different industries.
Courses Offered
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Commercial Truck Driving
- HVAC-R
- Marine and RV Technology
Experience specialized training in a fully-equipped garage-like workplace when you take the Automotive Technology program.
The setting makes it more realistic and immersive, allowing students to feel like a pro.
The Diesel Technology course prepares students to become Diesel Technicians and Mechanics in the transportation industry.
Completing the 170-hour Commercial Truck Driving program equips students with competency and qualification to take the Class A CDL Examination. and apply to commercial trucking businesses.
The HVAC-R program provides actual training to learn the fundamentals of HVAC and Refrigeration systems, including installation, repair, and diagnostic techniques.
For a rewarding Marine and RV Technician career, join the growing numbers of students taking the Marine and RV Technology program.
The preparatory education qualifies students for the 4 components of the Maintenance Certification Program (MCP) of Yamaha.
Contact
- JTech Institute
- Address: 8813 Western Way Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Phone: 877- 447- 0442
- Website: https://www.jtech.org
Florida Flyers Flight Academy
About the School
Fly high at Florida Flyers Flight Academy, one of the USA’s best international flight schools.
This top-rated aviation school specializes in competitively-priced commercial pilot training programs. Its fast-track training program is considered the best in the industry.
With a state-of-the-art aircraft fleet and FAA Part 141-approved training facility, your dream of becoming a licensed domestic or international pilot will come true.
It accepts non-immigrant students who want to take international aviation courses.
In addition, it offers 100% tuition financing for qualified students.
Courses Offered
The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) career course provides immersive training in FAA Part 141 and FAA Part 61 programs.
Private pilot students can take the FAR Part 141 Private Pilot (PPL) course which provides comprehensive lesson plans under a strict Syllabus or the FAR 61 Private Pilot (PPL) which follows an unstructured outline.
The Instrument Rating program offers Flight School Part 141 Instrument Rating (IFR) training leading to an Instrument Rating Aircraft and FAR Part 61 Instrument Rating (IFR) course.
For Multi-Engine Rating courses, the standard FAR Part 141 certification program leads to Commercial Pilot Airplane or Multi-Engine Rating Private Pilot.
The accelerated FAA Part 61 does the same but has an unstructured training outline.
To become a certified instructor in the aviation industry, the CFI Flight Instructor Course prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Certified Flight Instructor practical test.
Contact
- Florida Flyers Flight Academy
- Address: 4730 Casa Cola Way, Suite 100, St. Augustine, Florida 32095 U.S.A.
- Phone: 904.209.3505
- Website: https://www.flightschoolusa.com
Sea School
About the School
Sea School has been providing maritime courses in the industry for more than 42 years. This family-owned and operated premier school was established in 1977.
It offers 50 training courses for aspiring and advanced mariners who want to earn a Captain’s License.
Its founder Ron Wahl saw the urgent need to empower boating enthusiasts with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard, hence the founding of this pioneer school in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Courses Offered
- Able Seaman
- Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
- Apprentice Mate Steersman
- Assist Towing
- Auxiliary Sail
- Basic Firefighting
- OUPV
- And more
The Able Seaman course allows students to work on ocean-going commercial vessels. Their sea service experience is required to get an AB rating.
For licensed mariners, the Advanced Firefighting Revalidation is a required course.
The Apprentice Male Steersman course requires completion of 18 actual class days and 18 months of qualifying experience, 12 months are on towing vessels.
Assist Towing Course is for a Master licensed captain or USCG OUPV (6-Pack) who wants a Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement.
Completers of the Auxiliary Sail Course earn a certification that’s to be submitted to the Coast Guard for an additional endorsement to the license.
The Basic Firefighting course provides classroom instructions and practical experience in extinguishing fire and other drills inside a fire training facility.
The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) course helps students learn boating’s practical aspects and prepares them for the licensing test.
Contact
- Sea School
- Address: 8440 4th Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33702
- Phone: 800-237-8663
- Website: https://www.seaschool.com
Florida Aviation Career Training
About the School
Founded in 1990, the Florida Aviation Career Training (FACT) successfully secured its Part 141 FAA certification in 1991.
This pioneer school is the most experienced in providing ground and flight training programs.
Certified flight instructors are authorized to conduct activities like types of approaches and landings in various airports to equip the students with the necessary skills.
All lessons meet the standards of FAR Part 141 and Part 61.
The school’s practice area is located in the Northwest section of St. Augustine Airport.
Courses Offered
- Private Pilot Certification Course 141
- Commercial/Instrumental Pilot Certification Course
- Private Pilot Certification Course Part 61
- Instrument Pilot Certification Course
- Multi-Engine Rating Course
- Flight Instructor Certification Course
- Sport Pilot Certification Course
Meet the certification standards of the Federal Regulations by completing Private Pilot Certification Course Part 141.
The Commercial/Instrument Pilot Certification Course provides Dual Simulated/Actual IFR flight time, Ground Instruction, Dual Pre/Post Flight, Flight Test, and FAA Written Test.
Earn a certificate through the Private Pilot Certification Course Part 61 that provides Dual flight instructions (pre/post flight) and supervised Solo Flight Practice.
The Instrument Pilot Certification Course Part 61 provides 40 hours of Dual Simulated flight time and 20 hours of Dual Ground Instruction.
Completers of the Multi-Engine Rating Course earns additional land rating for their private or commercial pilot certification.
For this course, students must possess a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and airplane rating.
The Sport Pilot Certification Course includes Dual Flight Instruction, Pre/Post Ground Instruction, and Supervised Solo Flight Practice.
Contact
- Florida Aviation Career Training
- Address: 4900 US1 North Suite 200, Saint Augustine, Florida 32095
- Phone: (904) 824-9401
- Website: http://www.florida-aviation.com
North Florida Technical College
About the School
The North Florida Technical College is authorized by the Bradford County School District to provide a Career and Technical Education.
It is committed to equipping students, regardless of age, with skills and practical knowledge to get a job in traditional and emerging industries.
Understanding that the world of employment is highly competitive, the school prepares the students for employability.
It also offers job placement assistance, career and personal counseling services, and even financial aid packages.
Courses Offered
- Welding Technology
- Welding Technology-Advanced
The manufacturing industry has many job opportunities for skilled workers, hence pursuing the 1050-hour Welding Technology program is a good option.
It trains students to master the basic manufacturing processes, identify metals, interpret welding symbols, and learn safe oxyfuel gas cutting practices.
Upskill by enrolling in the 750-hour Welding Technology Advanced Program.
Completing the course qualifies you as a professional welder.
In this course, students learn Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) skills, pipe fitting fabrication methods, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) B-Class Welder.
Contact
- North Florida Technical College
- Address: 609 North Orange StreetStarke, Fl 32091
- Phone: 904-966-6764
- Website: https://www.bradfordschools.org
Tulsa Welding School
About the School
When two welders collaborated to provide training to address the demand for a skilled workforce, the Tulsa Welding School (TWS) was born in 1949.
As years passed, the humble school evolved into a multi-campus technical institution.
From the welding program, its programs expanded to meet the continuing demand of other industries.
It also remains true to its mission of guiding and supporting students from day 1 to graduation day.
With housing assistance, a plethora of student services, and temporary job assistance, Tulsa Welding School is the best training school to start your career goals.
Courses Offered
Get an entry-level job as a professional welder by completing the 7-month Professional Welder Course.
Students learn the fundamentals of pipe welding, structure welding, and flux-core welding.
The HVAC Training: Refrigeration Technologies is a 7-month program that provides hands-on training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies.
Become a competent electrician through the 7-month Electrical Applications Program that prepares students to become adept in electrical and mechanical principles as well as commercial and residential wiring.
Another venue to explore is Electrical Technologies.
This course trains students in different concepts and skills to get an entry-level job in the electrical industry.
In just 10 months of training, the Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program will make you a professional pipefitter or welder.
It also prepares students for the American Welding Society (AWS) welder certification test.
Contact
- Tulsa Welding School
- Address: 3500 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32216
- Phone: (855) 806-4921
- Website: https://www.tws.edu
Florida State College at Jacksonville
About the School
Famous as Florida’s most influential and dynamic college, the Florida State College at Jacksonville has over 100 career certifications and technical certificate programs, excluding its associate and bachelor degrees.
It offers affordable tuition rates, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid packages.
With the largest development program for the workforce in various industries, finding your niche is easy.
It is also applauded for its flexible class schedules which allow hybrid instruction and online classes.
Courses Offered
The Biotechnology Laboratory Technology is a prerequisite to secure a position as Food Testing Technician or a Research Technician.
You get an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) when you pursue a Radiation Therapy Specialist program. Radiation Therapists work with a healthcare team.
The Dental Assisting Career Certificate (C.C) provides students with essential clinical and theoretical skills to work in a dental office.
If your goal is to work in a doctor’s clinic, office, or hospital, completing the 1300-hour Medical Assisting Career Certificate is the best route.
The 1350-hour Practical Nursing program helps you earn a Career Certificate (C.C.) and get a job in a physician’s office, hospital, home care, or nursing home.
Learn technical and production skills, management, planning, and more when you pursue the 1050-hour Pharmacy Technician program. Completion of the course leads to taking the National Pharmacy Technician Certificate (NPTC) examination.
Here are the programs to find:
- Biotechnology Laboratory
- Radiation Therapy Specialist
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
Contact
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Address: 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
- Phone: (904) 633-8100
- Website: https://www.fscj.edu
A. Chef's Cooking Studio
About the School
Dreams do come true, even daydreams.
This is how owner Chef Andrea speaks about A. Chef’s Cooking Studio.
A true lover of food and art, she dreamt of having a studio where beginners, intermediate, and professional cooks gather and call it their home.
It became a reality in December of 2006.
Together with co-owner and husband Michael, they started serving the community.
Since its inception up to the present, the studio keeps attracting students and guests. If your passion is cooking, then this place is where you start harnessing your skills.
Courses Offered
Here are some specialty courses you can find:
- Chef Andrea’s Favorite Cheese Bread- Bread Baker’s Apprentice Series
- Braising/Roasting- this class teaches techniques and skills for meats and vegetables
- Ruben Bread- this class teaches students how to make a filled bread
- Pasta 101
- Bread 101- this class teaches the basics of bread dough, including proofing, yeast, and the
- best techniques for baking.
- Seasoning Fundamentals
- Restaurant Salads at Home
- Pizza Dough
- Knife Skills
From the Bread Baker’s Apprentice Series, discover Chef Andrea’s recipe for Favorite Cheese Bread.
Learn the fundamentals and techniques of Braising & Roasting to maximize your cooking time for vegetables and meats
The Ruben Bread Class teaches you to make your own filled bread.
Pasta 101 Class teaches students to make classic pasta dough, cut it into fettuccini, and roll it into sheets of no-boil lasagna.
Bread 101 gives you the techniques of bread dough preparation and proofing to make tasty Baguettes, Brioche, Bagels, and Honey Wheat.
Join the Seasoning Fundamentals Class to learn the techniques and secrets of seasoning your dishes.
Level up your homemade salad through Chef A’s Restaurant Salads at Home Classes.
The Knife Skills Class helps you learn the efficient method of approaching food and caring for your knives.
Pizza Dough or Calzone Class gives you the skills to bake a stuffed pizza using your traditional oven.
Contact
- A. Chef’s Cooking Studio
- Address: 145 Hilden Road, Suite 119, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
- Phone: 904-827-1350
- Website: https://www.achefs.com
Trade Schools in Florida by City
Final Thoughts
Secure your position in the industry where you are currently working by upskilling and getting a certification.
If you are in the newbie category, learning the basic skills through a trusted technical school prepares you for an entry-level job, then keep learning to earn more.