Herzing Skilled Trades

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.

In the skilled trades, where the work is often physically demanding and the industry constantly evolves, career longevity can be a challenge. However, with the right strategies and mindset, tradespeople can enjoy long, successful careers that are both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Understanding how to maintain your health, stay current with industry trends, and balance work with your personal life is essential to ensuring your skills and passion stand the test of time.

In this post, we provide key tips and insights on how to achieve career longevity in the skilled trades, helping you build a solid foundation for a lifetime of success.

Updated December 2024

Construction management encompasses the technical aspects of building and maintenance along with the administrative workings of project management—such as budgeting, regulatory compliance, bidding, and managing employees.

So what career paths are available? What can you expect in terms of salary or job outlook? And how can you get started?

That’s what we set out to answer in this blog. Keep reading to explore various careers in construction management, learn about the job market, and get practical tips on breaking into (and advancing in) the field.

Patrick Chan had spent 15 years in the restaurant industry, working his way up to sous chef and eventually head chef. But then COVID hit and he realized he needed a different career.

He’d always enjoyed being active and working with his hands, so the skilled trades seemed like a good fit. He took the leap and enrolled in the plumbing program at Herzing College.

With support from college staff, he found work almost immediately after graduating, and is very much enjoying his second career.

Here’s his story.

So you’re interested in a rewarding career in the skilled trades, but you’re torn between the fields of heating/cooling and plumbing?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and plumbing both offer excellent job security, good wages, and the satisfaction of keeping people comfortable in their homes and businesses. But they also have some key differences.

This guide will help you compare the key aspects of HVAC vs. plumbing: duties, skills, salaries, career options, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the trade that’s best for you.

Construction estimators are the financial guardians of building projects. They translate blueprints and specifications into dollar figures, estimating the costs of materials, labour, and equipment.

Their work is crucial for winning bids, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.

But what exactly does a construction estimator do? What does a typical day look like?

In this post, we offer a detailed look at the day-to-day responsibilities of construction estimators and the pivotal role they play in construction projects. We also delve into salaries, career prospects, and the skills needed to succeed in this role.

Keep reading to see if this career is a good fit for you.

Wolseley Canada, one of the country’s top wholesale distributors of plumbing and heating products, recently sponsored Herzing College’s Women in Trades event and announced three new scholarships.

Many people have an image of plumbing as being about clogged drains and overflowing toilets. But that’s far from the complete picture.

The truth is that the plumbing trade offers steady demand and a diverse range of career opportunities across Ontario. Want to focus on home plumbing services? Industrial steamfitting? Fire protection? You have plenty of options.

In this blog, we outline various types of plumbers and plumbing specializations so you can discover the path that’s right for you.