Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardi, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota
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NOTES ON ACCREDITATION & APPRENTICESHIP REGISTRATION
- Registered Apprenticeship programs are those that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and Florida Department of Education, ensuring national standards for training and credentials.
- Technical certificate programs (like those at colleges/tech schools) prepare students for industry credentials and may complement apprenticeships, but do not on their own constitute a registered apprenticeship unless explicitly paired with employer sponsor training.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Charlotte Technical College
- Description, High School Program: HVAC/R 1 is a one-year program for high school seniors. Students learn to install, repair, and maintain commercial and domestic air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Experienced instructors teach safe and efficient work practices while preparing students for a career as an HVAC/R Mechanic and Installer.
- Description, Adult Program: HVAC/R 1 prepares students for employment or advanced training in the heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration and ventilation industry. The student should obtain EPA certification prior to leaving school. This program focuses on broad, transferable skills, stresses the understanding of the HVAC/R industry, and demonstrates elements such as planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, the underlying principles of technology, and health, safety, and environmental issues. Completers should be competent for positions like Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Helper, Mechanic Assistant and Mechanic 1.
- Contact: 18150 Murdock Circle Port Charlotte, FL 33948 • 941.255.7500 • https://ctc.yourcharlotteschools.net/home
Southern Technical College
- Description: The HVAC Diploma Program is designed to be completed in 10 months. Hands-on training provides a foundation of knowledge preparing students to install and service residential and light commercial air conditioning and heating systems.
- Contact: 950 Tamiami Trail, #109, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 • 941.391.8888 • https://www.southerntech.edu/locations/port-charlotte/
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (serving Charlotte County)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Charlotte.
Collier County
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (serving Collier County)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Collier.
DeSoto County
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (serving DeSoto County)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including DeSoto.
Glades County
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (serving Glades County)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Glades.
Hardee County
(No specific accredited HVACR or plumbing program located directly in Hardee County was identified in state reports; however…)
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Hardee.
Daikin Training Center – Tampa Region
- Description: HVAC technical training (non union, manufacturer certified). Daikin’s Tampa training center provides HVAC equipment training and serves Hardee County among many others. While not a full apprenticeship, it is an accredited technical training provider recognized in the region.
- Contact: 3711 W. Walnut St., Tampa, FL 33607 • 813 879 5790
Hendry County
HVAC & Plumbing Training — Hendry County Adult Learning
- Description: Provides vocational training courses, including HVAC and plumbing components (introductory and advanced), through adult education offerings. While not a full registered apprenticeship, these courses prepare students for entry-level work and are recognized by local workforce programs.
- Contact:
- HVAC Program – Clewiston High School, Clewiston, FL • (863) 983-1511
- Plumbing Program – LaBelle Office, LaBelle, FL • (863) 612-0119
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (regional Registered Apprenticeship)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Hendry.
Highlands County
(No clearly identified specific program for Highlands appeared in recent state apprenticeship listings; possible future local apprenticeship via registered sponsors may exist.)
Suggested Path: Contact CareerSource offices or Florida Department of Education Apprenticeship Section to locate registered HVAC/plumbing apprenticeships active in Highlands.
Local training options: Check with Suncoast Technical College or Highlands County Schools career-tech offerings which may include HVAC or plumbing courses (often integrated with career education).
Daikin Training Center – Tampa Region
- Description: HVAC technical training (non union, manufacturer certified). Daikin’s Tampa training center provides HVAC equipment training and serves Highlands County among many others. While not a full apprenticeship, it is an accredited technical training provider recognized in the region.
- Contact: 3711 W. Walnut St., Tampa, FL 33607 • 813 879 5790
Lee County
Tri County Apprenticeship Academy (serving Lee County)
- Description: Registered apprenticeship provider offering hands-on, earn-while-you-learn programs in HVAC-R and plumbing (as well as electrical and pipe fitting). Training includes classroom instruction together with on-the-job work experience. Accredited through the Florida Dept. of Education and NCCER.
- Contact: 13830 Jetport Commerce Pkwy, Suite 5, Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Contact@tcaafl.com • tcaafl.com • 239.225.0995
- Notes: Programs span multiple Region 7 counties including Lee.
MANATEE COUNTY
Anthony’s Cool School
- Description: Accelerated comprehensive HVAC training includes both classrooms and staged areas where students face real HVAC issues, providing hands-on experience. Goal is to graduate field-ready individuals of high character, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on their careers in the constantly evolving HVAC industry.
- Address: 1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, FL 34221 • 941.347.0779
Daikin Training Center – Tampa Region
- Description: HVAC technical training (non union, manufacturer certified). Daikin’s Tampa training center provides HVAC equipment training and serves Manatee County among many others. While not a full apprenticeship, it is an accredited technical training provider recognized in the region.
- Contact: 3711 W. Walnut St., Tampa, FL 33607 • 813.879.5790
Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy
- Description: Nonprofit apprenticeship and skilled trades training provider focused on high-demand trades in Manatee & Sarasota Counties, including mechanical paths relevant to HVACR and plumbing fields. Offers mentorship, practical experience, and pathways to career credentials.
- Contact: 6650 Professional Pkwy West, Ste 102, Sarasota, FL 34210 • admin@suncoastba.org • suncoastapprenticeshipacademy.org • 941.407.4133
Sarasota County
American Vocational Academy – Tri County Air
- Description: Accelerated HVAC training, 3 month program. Graduates are eligible for 608 EPA and NATE industry certifications and job placement opportunities prior to graduation. Possible funding through American Vocational Academy or CareerSource Suncoast. In collaboration with Tri County Air.
- Contact: 1080 Enterprise Ct., Unit D, Nokomis, FL 34275 • 941.281.2541 • AVA.YourFuture@Gmail.com
Daikin Training Center – Tampa Region
- Description: HVAC technical training (non union, manufacturer certified). Daikin’s Tampa training center provides HVAC equipment training and serves Sarasota County among many others. While not a full apprenticeship, it is an accredited technical training provider recognized in the region.
- Contact: 3711 W. Walnut St., Tampa, FL 33607 • 813.879.5790
State College of Florida Manatee – Sarasota (SCF)
- Description: The College offers Certified HVAC/R technician training in preparation for earning NATE or HVAC Excellence certification in under 12 months. Course designed for HVACR technicians with one-to-two years of industry experience. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Address: PO Box 1849, Bradenton, FL 34206 • 941.752.5000 • info@SFC.edu
- SCF Bradenton • 5840 26th St. West Building 1, Room 201 Bradenton, FL 34207 • 941.752.5000
- SCF Lakewood Ranch • 7131 Professional Pkwy E, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941.363.7000
- SCF Venice • 8000 S. Tamiami Trail Building 100 Venice, FL 34293 • 941.408.1300
Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy
- Description: Nonprofit apprenticeship and skilled trades training provider focused on high-demand trades in Manatee & Sarasota Counties, including mechanical paths relevant to HVACR and plumbing fields. Offers mentorship, practical experience, and pathways to career credentials.
- Contact: 6650 Professional Pkwy West, Ste 102, Sarasota, FL 34210 • 941.407.4133 • admin@suncoastba.org • suncoastapprenticeshipacademy.org
Suncoast Technical College (STC), Sarasota County Schools
- Description: Offers HVAC, plumbing, and electrical apprenticeship and technical training programs in collaboration with employers and regional workforce initiatives.
- Contact:
- STC Sarasota Campus • 4748 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 • 941.924.1365
- STC North Port Branch • 4445 Career Ln, North Port, FL • 941.257.2252
Technical Education Council (TEC) (serving Sarasota & region)
- Description: Local apprenticeship sponsor offering registered plumbing and related construction trade apprenticeships. Programs integrate industry curriculum with practical experience.
- Contact: 168 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941.363.632 • info@technicaleducationcouncil.com
Notes & Tips for Apprenticeship Seekers
- Florida registered apprenticeships combine structured classroom instruction with paid on-the-job learning and are overseen by the Florida Department of Education and US Dept. of Labor.
- CareerSource centers in the region (e.g., CareerSource Suncoast) and the Florida DOE Apprenticeship Office serving your county can help connect job seekers with local registered apprenticeship opportunities.
- Some training programs (e.g., adult education HVAC/plumbing courses) prepare students to enter apprenticeships or placement with employers even if they aren’t registered apprenticeships themselves.
