Herzing Skilled Trades

You’ve been hired as an apprentice—congratulations! You’re about to put your skills to work in the real world alongside experienced journeypersons who will guide your development.

Exciting? Absolutely. A little terrifying? Of course.

But whether you’re heading into plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or another skilled trade, the fundamentals are the same: show up with a positive attitude, keep your ears open, and remember that everyone started exactly where you are right now.

This guide covers everything you need to crush your first day and the next chapter in your apprenticeship journey. We walk through what actually happens during orientation (hint: lots of safety talk), what you should have with you, and how you can make a strong first impression.

Ready for some first-day apprentice tips? Let’s dive in.

Corporate offices, hospitals, smart homes…none of it works without the physical infrastructure that connects devices to the internet and each other. That’s where network cabling technicians come in. They install and maintain the cabling systems that keep our digital lives running the way they should.

Thinking about becoming one of them? You should know that while the work is rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Tangled cables and tight crawlspaces are just two of the many obstacles that can crop up on the job.

The good news is that with the right training and techniques, these challenges can be overcome.

Let’s explore some of the most common issues in network cabling—and how to solve them.

Electrical problems in commercial and industrial construction projects are not the same as those found in residential construction. Industrial job sites come with tighter timelines, greater coordination demands, and more demanding electrical systems. Mistakes can lead to equipment failures, inspection delays, safety hazards, and costly downtime.

That’s why trained electricians play such a crucial role in keeping large-scale projects on track. In this post, we’ll explore the most common electrical problems encountered on big construction sites—what causes them, why they matter, and how skilled tradespeople are trained to troubleshoot and prevent them.

The construction industry is undergoing a digital revolution, with cutting-edge technologies reshaping how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. Construction is becoming smarter, faster, and more sustainable. As new technologies gain traction, professionals must adapt to stay competitive.

So what exactly does that mean? In 2025, mastering digital tools, AI-driven project management, and green building practices will be essential for success.

This post explores the key technologies transforming construction and highlights the skills, training, and certifications that can help you future-proof your career in this evolving industry. Keep reading to find out how you can position yourself for success.

If you’re considering a career in the trades, you may be thinking ahead to getting the Red Seal endorsement.

A Red Seal endorsement is an extra mark of distinction that gets added to your provincial or territorial trade certificate. It provides Canada-wide recognition of your abilities.

Essentially, a Red Seal is a widely respected stamp of approval.

So how do you go about getting it?

In this post, we take you through the process of becoming a Red Seal certified tradesperson. Discover what you must do to get a Red Seal endorsement, why you should consider doing so, and how you can get started.

If you’re thinking about a career in the plumbing trade, one of the most important factors you need to consider is how much you could earn.

Plumber salaries depend on several factors, such as the amount of experience you have and whether you work on staff at a company or run your own business.

To get a true picture of plumber salaries in Ontario, we analyzed the latest government labour market data as well as dozens of real job postings on Indeed, Workopolis, and Glassdoor.

We looked at earnings for apprentices, licensed plumbers, and contractors.

Keep reading to discover the latest salary info and see how you can get started in this trade.

It's a key question for anyone thinking about a career as an electrician in Ontario: Just how much money can you expect to earn?

Electrician salaries depend on a range of factors, including what company you work for, what area you specialize in, and how much experience you have.

We looked at government data and dozens of actual job postings to get an idea of earnings for electrician apprentices as well as fully qualified journeymen in different specialties.

In this post, we explain how much you can make in various electrician roles, and how to get started with training. Here's what you need to know.

The skilled trades have long been the backbone of modern society. And the demand for skilled tradespeople just keeps growing.

Careers in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades offer exceptional opportunities for job stability and professional growth. These fields are at the forefront of innovation, incorporating renewable energy solutions, smart technologies, and eco-friendly practices.

In this post, we guide you through the essential skills, career opportunities, and sustainability trends shaping plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Read on to learn more about the top skilled trades programs to consider for 2025.

Vocational education is designed to equip students with the specific skills and knowledge required for immediate employment. In other words, it’s about meeting workforce needs. And it’s becoming increasingly relevant for anyone seeking long-term career stability and growth.

The skilled trades rely on vocational training, and the industry is currently dealing with a labour shortage. With growing demand and many tradespeople set to retire, Canada needs many more people to undergo training in order to fill critical roles in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

Keep reading to learn about the rising importance of vocational training, what’s driving the demand, and why you should take a good hard look at this educational path.

Photo: Electrician students at Herzing College in Toronto

Exactly what kinds of work or areas of specialty can you pursue as an electrician? Is there more to this trade than routine wiring installation and repairs?

Absolutely. There’s a wide range of career paths open to you. It all depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and career goals.

What kind of environment do you want to work in? Are you fixed on avoiding outdoor work? Are you especially interested in electronics, computers, renewable energy, or telecommunications?

In this post, we're comparing electrician career paths to help you see what's out there. Here's a look at some of your top options.