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REAL PAY. REAL CAREERS.

Trades Q&A and Job Fair — Hosted by GRO Gaining

Orlando Recap

EVENT RECAP

REAL PAY, REAL CAREERS

What started as a simple idea — let students hear real salary numbers from real tradespeople— has grown into one of Central Florida's most impactful trade career events. Our latest Real Pay, Real Careers brought together over 30 attendees, 5+ trade employers, and a room full of students who walked in curious and walked out with scholarship applications and a clear career path.

Students met HVAC business owners clearing six figures, construction workers who joined LiUNA! union, and educators from Valencia College. They heard the real numbers — and many said it changed the way they think about their future.

Over 30 students left the event with knowledge on apprenticeships and answers they've wanted to ask like "Is a career in trades AI proof?", "How much can an earn the first year?" and more! And GRO Gaining staff helped dozens more apply for trade scholarships on the spot.

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WHAT HAPPENED

WHAT MADE THIS EVENT SPECIAL

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Real Talk Q&A Panel

Working HVAC techs and construction shared their actual salaries, career paths, and advice — no scripts, no filters. Students asked everything.

1

Students applied for trade scholarships on-site — these scholarships will cover tuition, tools, and OSHA 10 certification through NextGen and Valencia College.

2

Financial Literacy

Our Financial Literacy segment gave students real-world money knowledge on budgeting, credit, saving, and building financial success alongside a career in the trades.

3

Scholarships 

THE REAL NUMBERS

WHAT TRADESPEOPLE ACTUALLY EARN IN FLORIDA

These aren't national averages. These are the real salary ranges shared by the tradespeople who sat on our panel — working right here in Florida.

ELECTRICIAN
$80K–$200K+

Master / Contractor / Owner

HVAC TECH
$55K–$250K+

Senior Tech / Business Owner

PLUMBER
$55K–$300K+

Master / Contractor / Owner

WELDER
$50K–$200K+

Specialized / Underwater / Pipeline

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THE REAL NUMBERS

Can't Wait for the Next Event? Apply for a Scholarship Now.

GRO Gaining is currently awarding $60,000 in trade scholarships — 20 scholarships covering tuition, tools, and OSHA 10 certification. You don't have to wait for the event to apply.

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REAL PAY, REAL CAREERS
IS COMING BACK

RSVP to the Next Trades Event

Be the first to know when the next event drops. Sign up below and we'll send you the date, location, and registration link before anyone else.

RSVP TO OUR NEXT REAL PAY, REAL CAREERS TRADES Q&A PANEL

Frequently asked questions

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