UA Local 803 Apprenticeship Program – Central Florida
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Florida / UA Local 803 Apprenticeship Program – Central Florida
UA Local 803 Apprenticeship Program – Central Florida
Program Information
The UA Local 803 Apprenticeship Program offers a comprehensive and time-tested pathway into the skilled trades of plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC-R, and welding. Apprenticeship has been an essential method of craft training for thousands of years, and UA Local 803 continues this tradition by providing structured, high-quality training that blends paid jobsite experience with rigorous classroom instruction. This program is ideal for motivated individuals who want to build a stable, rewarding career while learning from experienced union journeymen and industry experts.
Apprentices earn excellent wages and full union benefits from day one—including health insurance, pension, and retirement plans—while receiving training aligned with the highest industry standards. UA Local 803 apprentices train under the protection of a union contract, ensuring safe working conditions, steady wage progression, and access to one of the strongest support networks in the construction trades. Through this program, individuals work toward becoming fully credentialed United Association Journeymen, a designation recognized throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Training is conducted in partnership with Orange Technical College – South Campus and follows an accredited curriculum approved by the United Association. Apprentices attend evening classes twice per week while working full-time during the day with one of many participating contractors across Central Florida. Classroom instruction covers trade theory, safety, system design, codes, and applications, while on-the-job training exposes apprentices to real jobsite experience under the supervision of certified journeymen.
Apprentices can choose their specialized path—Plumber, Pipefitter/Steamfitter, HVAC-R Technician, or Welder. Each discipline includes progressive training and skill development, culminating in a proficiency exam during the final years. Outstanding apprentices may advance to state and national apprenticeship competitions, showcasing their expertise against top apprentices from across North America.
UA Local 803 partners with a large network of reputable contractors across Florida and beyond, giving apprentices access to diverse work opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Participating contractors include Ackerman Plumbing, Buena Vista Construction, Carrier Commercial Services, Conti Corporation, Honeywell, Irvine Mechanical, Johnson Controls, Kinetic Systems, Mechanical Services of Central Florida, Miller Pipeline, Page Piping, Shaw Mechanical, Siemens Building Technologies, WW Gay Mechanical, and many others. This broad network ensures consistent work opportunities throughout the apprenticeship.
Program Length
A multi-year apprenticeship program (typically 4–5 years), combining full-time employment with evening classroom training twice per week. Each year includes structured on-the-job hours, classroom instruction, and yearly progression evaluations.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school transcript or GED required
- Copy of driver’s license and Social Security card
- Complete in-person application at the Training Center
- No experience required to apply
- Must be able to work full-time while attending evening classes
- Responsible for purchasing school books each year
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted Monday–Friday from 7:00 AM–11:00 AM and 1:00 PM–3:00 PM.
The deadline for Fall classes is the end of May.
Applications submitted after the deadline roll into the following school year.
Training Location
UA Local 803 Training Center
3601 McIntosh Road
Dover, FL 33527
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
UA Local 803 Apprenticeship Program – Central Florida is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in HVAC.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.