Herzing Skilled Trades

Updated December 2024

Construction electricians are the skilled tradespeople who get the lights on and the machines running. They plan, install, upgrade, maintain, and repair the electrical systems that bring heat, light, communication, and power to all kinds of new buildings.

Thinking about becoming a construction electrician? Curious about what you'd actually do at work?

In this post, we break down the most typical day-to-day tasks of construction electricians. We also spoke with an experienced Hamilton-based construction electrician to get his take on the career.

Find out what to expect and see if this trade is a good choice for you.

Photo: Electrician apprentice learning from a licensed journeyperson

Updated December 2024

Hoping to become a licensed electrician in Ontario? Your journey begins with getting an electrician apprenticeship.

An electrician apprenticeship combines classroom learning with paid on-the-job training under an experienced journeyperson (licensed electrician).

Apprentices get to "earn while they learn." It's an excellent alternative to other university and college programs, where most students don't get real work experience and end up in debt.

Once you successfully complete your electrician apprenticeship, you can write the certification exam that allows you to become a licensed electrician.

Sounds simple enough, right? Actually, there are a few more things to know about how this whole process works.

How long is the training? What can you expect during your apprenticeship? How do you get hired as an apprentice?

In this post, we answer all those questions and more.

Here's everything you need to know about how electrician apprenticeships work in Ontario.

Updated December 2024

Like the idea of coordinating a build from start to finish? Interested in project management and wondering how to become a construction manager?

Now is a great time to get into this career. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, construction managers are in good demand across much of the country.

Salaries are high, too. The Job Bank says construction managers in Canada earn a median income of over $97,000. Some make more than $156,000.

But how can you break into this role? What skills are required and what training options do you have? Do you need a university degree to qualify for those high-paying jobs?

In this post, we break it all down into simple terms.

Compare the two different paths to becoming a construction manager (degree vs. diploma) and get help to decide which is right for you.

Here's what you need to know.

Updated December 2024

Considering a career as a gas fitter, installing and maintaining gas lines, regulators, meters, and appliances?

It's a good time to get into this trade in Ontario. The Government of Canada Job Bank expects good employment growth for gas fitters in the province through 2026.

And you can make a good living in this field. According to the Job Bank, Ontario gas fitters earn a median salary of about $67,000. At the high end, they're making more than $79,000.

But if you want to become a gas fitter, you need to earn a licence from the TSSA. Your first step is to understand the certification and licensing process for gas fitters in Ontario. 

We're here to break it down in simple terms. We'll guide you through the different levels of gas fitter licensing (G1, G2, G3), the TSSA exams, and training options for beginners.

Let's dive in.

If you want to become a certified HVAC technician, getting an HVAC apprenticeship is your first step. HVAC technician is a regulated trade in Ontario, so completing an apprenticeship isn't optional.

It's part of a five-year process of classroom training and on-the-job learning that prepares you for certification.

You need a total of 8,280 apprenticeship hours before you can challenge the exam and become a certified journeyperson in the trade. The good news? Apprentices get paid, so you can earn while you learn.

But competing for good HVAC apprenticeship jobs isn't easy. How do you get an edge?

Updated December 2022

If you've landed here, you're considering becoming an HVAC technician and want to explore training options in your area.

By now, you've probably realized there are many HVAC schools in the Toronto area. There are certificates, courses, diplomas, pre-apprenticeship programs, online options, and more.

How do these programs differ? What exactly should you be looking for in a quality HVAC college? 

Good questions. When you consider the time and money you'll need to invest, it's worth doing the research.

Plus, getting a good foundation in training is obviously key to landing a good job (which is the whole point of going to school).

So, in this post we're laying out the seven most important qualities of a good HVAC college. These are the features to notice when you're comparing schools and choosing where to enrol.

No matter which HVAC college you end up choosing, make sure it meets these clear standards of quality and excellence.

Updated January 2024

Want to become a certified gas technician? Your first step is to learn about the TSSA's gas tech certification requirements.

Any tradesperson who works with oil or gas must get licensed to legally operate in Ontario. Obviously, this rule applies to gas technicians. But it also impacts trades like HVAC and appliance repair, which involve installing and servicing fuel-powered units.

So what is the TSSA, and what steps must you go through to meet their certification requirements? What training should you get to prepare for your gas technician exam, and what is the test like?

Here's your quick guide to getting gas tech certified this year.

Quick summary: Find out exactly what plumbing pre-apprenticeship training involves, the main benefits to students, and whether it's truly worth the investment.

If you’re interested in becoming a licensed plumber, you’ve probably done some research on the training and certification process.

Chances are, you've heard about plumbing pre-apprenticeship training and are wondering if it's worth the time and money.

Can't you just go ahead and apply for an apprenticeship without doing any training? 

Sure - but chances are you won't get hired.

Why? Because most companies don't just hire apprentices right off the street, with no background or experience in plumbing whatsoever!

They prefer to hire people who already have some basic plumbing skills and knowledge. In other words, people who have taken a plumber pre-apprenticeship program.

Is this something you should be doing? Here are a few things to consider when making your decision.

Updated January 2024

If you’ve landed on this page you must be considering becoming a gas technician or adding a gas technician certification to your current skillset. 

And like any intelligent person, you’re looking at the training and licensing process and wondering, Is this worth the time and money? 

Is there demand for gas technicians? How tough is the exam? How long does the whole process take? What are the main benefits of getting certified? 

That’s exactly what we’re covering in today’s post. Find out if gas technician training makes sense for you and get helpful info on how to get started. 

Neil Szabo surrounded by HVAC and gas technician study materials at his home in Toronto

Neil Szabo did not start out wanting to become a gas technician. In fact, he spent almost two decades working in television before deciding it was time for a change.

He looked at all the options and settled on gas technician training as the quickest, most efficient route to a satisfying and well-paid career. Now he's a G2 certified technician with a full-time job at a great local company. 

It's been an action-packed journey of training and growth. Neil says he's learned more in the last few months than he did in the previous several years!

And it all started with gas technician training at Herzing College Toronto. Neil graduated from the program in May 2020 and has been thriving in the trade ever since.

This week we caught up with Neil to find out how things are going at work and what he's up to now.