Your Future is Built Here

Discover in-demand careers where your skills matter and your opportunities grow.

The skilled trades are essential, respected, and full of opportunity. Whether you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, or building something that lasts, there’s a trade for you. Learn what each career path involves, how much you can earn, and how to get started.

Electrical

Electricians power our world — from homes to hospitals to high-tech facilities. It’s a career built on skill, safety, and smart problem-solving. With strong demand and room to grow, this trade lights the way for a bright future.

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What Do Electricians Do?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and equipment in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They ensure everything from lights and outlets to complex control systems work safely and efficiently. Some specialize in residential or commercial work, while others work in industrial settings, solar energy, or low-voltage systems like fire alarms and security.

Where Do They Work?
Electricians are everywhere: new construction sites, office buildings, hospitals, schools, factories, retail stores, and homes. Whether wiring a new facility or maintaining critical infrastructure, they’re essential to nearly every industry.

How Much Do They Make?
In Florida, most electricians earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year. Entry-level wages start lower, but certified journeymen or licensed contractors can earn $70K+ depending on experience, location, and specialization.

What Kind of Person Thrives in This Career?

Problem-solver who likes hands-on work
Detail-oriented and safety-conscious
Physically active and not afraid of heights or tight spaces
Enjoys figuring out how things work
Good communicator and team player

Career Path Options:

Apprentice Electrician
Journeyman Electrician
Lead Electrician or Supervisor
Electrical Contractor (own your own business)
Specialist: Solar, Industrial Controls, Low-Voltage, or Project Manager

Benefits of This Trade:

No student debt — learn while you earn
Consistent demand = job security
Opportunities to specialize or start your own business
Every day is different — and your work is essential

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)

HVAC technicians are the reason we stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This trade combines mechanical skill, problem-solving, and technology — all while offering great pay, job stability, and career growth.

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What Do HVAC Technicians Do?
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings. They work on everything from furnaces and air conditioners to ductwork and refrigeration systems. They’re also problem-solvers — diagnosing and fixing issues to keep systems running safely and efficiently.

Where Do They Work?
HVAC professionals work in homes, apartment buildings, office complexes, industrial sites, hospitals, schools, and more. Whether it’s a residential service call or installing systems in a new building, the environments are varied — and never boring.

How Much Do They Make?
Most HVAC technicians earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, with higher pay for experienced techs and those with specialty certifications (like refrigeration or controls). Overtime, bonuses, and service calls can boost earnings even more.

What Kind of Person Thrives in This Career?

Likes fixing things and solving mechanical puzzles
Enjoys hands-on, active work
Comfortable in tight spaces, on rooftops, or in changing conditions
Good communicator and listener
Wants job stability and long-term growth

Career Path Options:

HVAC Apprentice
HVAC Service Technician
Lead Tech or Installer
Project Manager or Service Manager
HVAC Sales, Controls Technician, or even Engineer

Benefits of This Trade:

Paid, full-time work while you learn
In-demand skill set across all industries
Ongoing learning — always something new to master
Essential work that directly improves people’s lives
Strong pathway to owning your own HVAC business

Plumbing

Plumbers do much more than fix leaky pipes — they protect health, keep water flowing, and solve complex problems in homes and buildings. With solid income potential, job stability, and career flexibility, this trade delivers.

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What Do Plumbers Do?
Plumbers install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, appliances, and fixtures like sinks, showers, and toilets. They also maintain and troubleshoot complex systems in homes, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities — ensuring safety and comfort for everyone.

Where Do They Work?
Anywhere water flows: homes, apartment buildings, restaurants, office complexes, hospitals, construction sites, and factories. They’re essential to both new builds and maintenance of existing systems.

How Much Do They Make?
Plumbers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, with entry-level wages around $35K–$45K. Master plumbers and specialists can earn $75K–$100K+ depending on certifications, experience, and location.

What Kind of Person Thrives in This Career?

Hands-on learners who like solving real problems
Physically capable and detail-oriented
Comfortable working in tight spaces or on their feet
Strong communicators who can explain issues clearly
Responsible and safety-conscious

Career Path Options:

Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Plumber
Pipefitter (industrial systems)
Gas Fitter (natural gas + propane lines)
Service Plumber or Commercial Installer
Start your own plumbing business

Benefits of This Trade:

High demand = steady work
No college debt — you get paid to learn
Essential role in public health and safety
Wide variety of work settings and job types
Strong opportunities to specialize or lead a crew

Carpentry

Carpenters bring blueprints to life — building everything from walls and roofs to cabinets and custom furniture. If you enjoy hands-on work, working with tools, and seeing real progress each day, this trade might be the perfect fit.

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What Do Carpenters Do?
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. They read blueprints, measure and cut materials, assemble frameworks, install doors, windows, and cabinetry, and apply finishing touches like trim or varnish. Whether it’s a rough build or a finely crafted custom piece, carpenters make ideas real.

Where Do They Work?
Carpenters work on residential homes, commercial buildings, offices, remodels, new construction, and specialty projects. Their work can range from framing and roofing to detailed cabinetry and finish work.

How Much Do They Make?
Most carpenters earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, with some earning more through specializations like cabinetry or finish carpentry. Self-employed or union carpenters may also earn competitive wages with benefits.

What Kind of Person Thrives in This Career?

Likes building things and working with their hands
Has good math and measuring skills
Enjoys seeing progress from start to finish
Works well independently and in teams
Comfortable with tools, physical labor, and creative thinking

Career Path Options:

Rough Carpenter (framing & structural work)
Finish Carpenter (trim, doors, molding)
Cabinetmaker or Furniture Maker
Restoration Carpenter (historic buildings)
Formwork Carpenter (concrete forms for large structures)
Site Supervisor or Independent Contractor

Benefits of This Trade:

Tangible, creative work with visible results
Flexibility to work for a company or independently
High demand in new construction and renovations
Opportunities for continuous learning and specialization
Job satisfaction from contributing to homes and communities

Building Maintenance

Building maintenance technicians are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep everything running. From changing light fixtures to fixing leaks, they make sure schools, offices, apartments, and commercial spaces stay safe, functional, and comfortable.

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What Do Building Maintenance Technicians Do?
These versatile professionals handle a wide range of tasks — from fixing plumbing and electrical systems to maintaining HVAC equipment and inspecting safety systems. They respond to emergencies, perform routine maintenance, and ensure that every part of a facility operates smoothly.

Where Do They Work?
Everywhere people live, learn, or work. That includes apartment complexes, schools, office buildings, hospitals, hotels, and shopping centers. Their work is essential to keeping communities functioning.

How Much Do They Make?
Most building maintenance techs earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, with experienced or specialized workers earning more. Some grow into supervisory roles or transition into trade specialties like electrical or HVAC.

What Kind of Person Thrives in This Career?

Likes variety and being the go-to fix-it person
Enjoys problem-solving and hands-on work
Detail-oriented and safety-conscious
Comfortable juggling different tasks each day
Takes pride in keeping things running and looking good

Career Path Options:

Maintenance Technician
Facilities Technician
Supervisor or Maintenance Manager
Specialty Tech (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)
Building Engineer or Property Maintenance Lead

Benefits of This Trade:

Job stability and daily variety
Skill-building across multiple trades
Opportunities for advancement or specialization
Immediate entry into the workforce
A fulfilling role that helps people every day

Find the Trade that Fits You

Whichever path you choose, we’ll help you build it.

Still have questions? Check our FAQ

Check out this side-by-side chart to compare the different trades in our program. You’ll see how each one works, what kind of tools you’ll use, where you might work, and how much you can earn. Whether you like building, fixing, wiring, or problem-solving, there’s a trade that matches your skills and style.

Still not sure? Take our Trade Match Quiz and find out which trade could be the best fit for you!

Electrical

Core Focus:
Power & wiring systems

Typical Work Sites:
Homes, offices, industrial plants

Physical Demands:
Medium – tight spaces, ladder work

Tools Used:
Multimeter, wire cutters, schematics

Starting Pay:
$16-$22/hr

Top-End Earning Potential:
$70k-$90k+

Job Outlook:
Very Strong

Certification Outcome:
Journeyman Electrician

Best for People Who…
Like precision, electricity & tech

HVAC

Core Focus:
Climate control & refrigeration

Typical Work Sites:
Homes, offices, commercial sites

Physical Demands:
High – rooftops, crawlspaces

Tools Used:
Gauges, refrigerant tools, duct gear

Starting Pay:
$16-$22/hr

Top-End Earning Potential:
$65k-$85k+

Job Outlook:
Strong and growing

Certification Outcome:
HVAC Journeyman / EPA Certified

Best for People Who…
Like systems, variety, & challenges

Plumbing

Core Focus:
Water, gas, & waste systems

Typical Work Sites:
Residential, commercial, industrial

Physical Demands:
High – under sinks, digging, lifting

Tools Used:
Pipe wrench, threads, cutters

Starting Pay:
$16-$22/hr

Top-End Earning Potential:
$75k-$100k+

Job Outlook:
Strong and stable

Certification Outcome:
Journeyman Plumber

Best for People Who…
Like hands-on work & problem solving

Carpentry

Core Focus:
Building with wood & framing

Typical Work Sites:
Residential framing, finish work

Physical Demands:
Medium – lifting, cutting, standing

Tools Used:
Saws, nail guns, tape measures

Starting Pay:
$15-$21/hr

Top-End Earning Potential:
$60k-$70k+

Job Outlook:
Moderate, project-driven

Certification Outcome:
Journeyman Carpenter

Best for People Who…
Like to build things and see progress

Building Maintenance

Core Focus:
Facility upkeep & repair

Typical Work Sites:
Schools, apartments, commercial

Physical Demands:
Moderate – mixed indoor/outdoor

Tools Used:
General tools: drills, pliers, etc.

Starting Pay:
$15-$20/hr

Top-End Earning Potential:
$55k-$70k+

Job Outlook:
Growing steadily

Certification Outcome:
Building Maintenance Technician

Best for People Who…
Like fixing & maintaining many systems

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Mostly A’s?	You’d thrive as an Electrician
Mostly B’s?	HVAC is your zone — you’re a Climate Control Pro
Mostly C’s?	You’re built for Plumbing — essential, respected, and in-demand
Mostly D’s?	Welcome to the world of Carpentry — building, shaping, and creating
Mostly E’s?	You’re a natural Building Maintenance Technician — a jack-of-all-trades with career flexibility