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.
WHAT HAPPENED
WHAT MADE THIS EVENT SPECIAL
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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REAL PAY, REAL CAREERS
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