--- title: Blog - Herzing Skilled Trades | Herzing Blog (8) description: Discover insights, tips, and career advice in trades. Explore training programs, industry trends, and success stories at Herzing College. (8) --- - English - Français - News / Blog - [Contact](https://www.herzing.ca/contact) - [Student Login](https://student5.campuslogin.com/(S(l5qa1i55nvojjoragnier23j))/StudentLoginDefault.aspx?OrgID=12200) [![herzing-logo@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/herzing-logo@2x.png?width=164&height=33&name=herzing-logo@2x.png "herzing-logo@2x")](https://www.herzing.ca) - [PROGRAMS](https://www.herzing.ca/programs-page/) - [ONLINE PROGRAMS](https://www.herzing.ca/online-programs/) - [CAMPUS SERVICES](https://www.herzing.ca/campus-services/admissions/) - [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.herzing.ca/international-students/) - [WHY HERZING](https://www.herzing.ca/why-herzing/why-choose-herzing/) - [LOCATIONS](https://www.herzing.ca/locations/) ![menu@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/menu@2x.png "menu@2x") # Herzing Skilled Trades Expert advice to help you choose the right pre-apprenticeship or construction training program and succeed in your career - [Herzing College \>](https://herzing.ca) - [Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades) ## [My Review of Gas Technician Training at Herzing College](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/my-review-of-gas-technician-training-at-herzing-college) [![Neil Szabo surrounded by HVAC and gas technician study materials at his home in Toronto](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Neil%20Szabo.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/my-review-of-gas-technician-training-at-herzing-college) Nov 18, 2020, 12:44:59 PM *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. [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/my-review-of-gas-technician-training-at-herzing-college) ## [Combined HVAC and Gas Technician Program: 6 Things to Know Before You Enrol](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/hvac-and-gas-technician-program-6-things-to-know-before-you-enrol) [![HVAC gas technician program](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/HVAC%20technician.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/hvac-and-gas-technician-program-6-things-to-know-before-you-enrol) Nov 16, 2020, 11:51:24 AM *Updated December 2025* Thinking about enrolling in an HVAC program this year? Ontario has good job growth in HVAC right now, so you're on the right track in terms of career opportunities. But what else should you know up front before you invest in training? For example, is your goal to become a certified HVAC technician? If so, you'll need to land an apprenticeship, complete mandatory courses, and take a certification exam. You will also need your gas technician licence. You won't get far in HVAC without it! [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/hvac-and-gas-technician-program-6-things-to-know-before-you-enrol) ## [Should You Become an Electrician? Top Pros & Cons](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-an-electrician-top-pros-cons) [![](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/electrician-2.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-an-electrician-top-pros-cons) May 1, 2020, 9:50:03 AM *Updated November 2025* Good electricians will always be in demand. Talented “sparkies” are respected for their intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge. However, it takes several years of training and hard work to become an electrician. And life on the job isn't always easy. Do you have what it takes? Is this the right trades career for you?  In this post, we put together the most common pros and cons of becoming an electrician.  Salary, working conditions, certification requirements, job safety, cost of training—we cover it all.  Find out if a career as an electrician is a good fit for you and what steps to take next.  [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-an-electrician-top-pros-cons) ## [Gas Technician Training: Our Instructor Answers Your Questions](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-winston-gas-technician-instructor-explains-training-careers) [![Gas Technician instructor Winston McKenzie-Plummer at Herzing College Toronto](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gas-technician-instructor-Winston-solo-2.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-winston-gas-technician-instructor-explains-training-careers) Feb 21, 2020, 1:05:10 PM   Winston McKenzie-Plummer is a proven expert in the gas trade. He is a G1 holder, successful HVAC business owner, and respected instructor at Herzing College Toronto. Thinking about becoming a gas technician? You've come to the right place. As both an instructor and employer, with over 20 years experience in the field, Winston knows exactly what you need to succeed. We interviewed Winston this week to get an inside look at gas tech training. We talked about what to expect in class, the toughest parts of training, TSSA exams, and how to get hired. He also explained gas technician job options, tips for impressing employers, and the biggest advantages to choosing this trade. This is everything you need to know about starting a career in the gas trade, straight from an expert. Let's get started. [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-winston-gas-technician-instructor-explains-training-careers) ## [Meet Darren Fearnley: Your Expert Guide to HVAC Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-darren-fearnley-hvac-instructor-explains-training-careers) [![](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Darren-revised-1.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-darren-fearnley-hvac-instructor-explains-training-careers) Oct 22, 2019, 9:17:42 AM *Darren Fearnley is a 40-year veteran of the HVAC industry. He teaches the HVAC and Gas Technician program at Herzing College. * Are you thinking of becoming an HVAC mechanic? No matter which part of the industry you’re aiming for, your path begins with a solid pre-apprenticeship program. Students with a good grounding in HVAC fundamentals have a *much* better chance of landing an apprenticeship—which you’ll need to get certified.  [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-darren-fearnley-hvac-instructor-explains-training-careers) ## [Should You Become a Plumber or an Electrician? 7 Points to Consider](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-plumber-or-an-electrician) [![](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/trades-students-on-floor-1024x499-1.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-plumber-or-an-electrician) Oct 10, 2019, 2:40:09 PM *Pre-apprenticeship students in class at Herzing College* *Updated December 2025* Electricians and plumbers have more in common than you might think. They’re both respected tradespeople. They both provide an essential service that will always be in demand. They’re both well paid and if they want, can go into business for themselves.  So which trade should you choose? Should you become a plumber or an electrician?  There’s always been debate over which of these trades is “better”. The truth is, there is no right answer. But, there are a few things you can think about, to help figure out which path fits you best.  Here are seven key points to consider when making your decision.    [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-plumber-or-an-electrician) ## [Pre-apprenticeship Plumber Training: 7 Things to Know Before You Begin](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/pre-apprenticeship-plumber-training-what-to-know-before-you-begin) [![Plumbing students in workshop](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pre-apprenticeship-plumber-training-1024x576-1.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/pre-apprenticeship-plumber-training-what-to-know-before-you-begin) Sep 20, 2019, 2:52:43 PM *Pre-apprenticeship plumber students hard at work at Herzing College in Toronto * *Updated December 2025* Thinking about becoming a plumber and looking into pre-apprenticeship programs? Like most skilled tradespeople right now, plumbers are in demand—so it’s a smart career choice.  But there are a few key things to know before you jump into a training course. Like what’s involved in getting certified as a plumber, how long will it take, and exactly what is the point of pre-apprenticeship plumber training.  [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/pre-apprenticeship-plumber-training-what-to-know-before-you-begin) ## [Review of Herzing's Combined Electrician and Network Cabling Program](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-leshan-think-combined-electriciannetwork-cabling-program) [![combined electrician and network cabling training](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/thumbnail_Leshan-Patterson-5180534-1022x1024-1.png)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-leshan-think-combined-electriciannetwork-cabling-program) Sep 9, 2019, 1:09:01 PM *Photo: Leshan Patterson at Herzing College* *Updated April 2022* Leshan Patterson never intended to pursue a career in the skilled trades. He went to university and earned a degree in bio-medical science before realizing he wasn't on the right career path. Leshan started researching other options and discovered he was a perfect fit to become an electrician. He enrolled in the Combined Electrician and Network Cabling Technology Program at Herzing and never looked back. Now, he's graduated from the program, and just been hired as an Electrician Apprentice with Micromaster Pioneers - a Toronto company that delivers residential and commercial electrical services. We interviewed Leshan to find out what he thought of Herzing's training, and what he's up to at his new job. He gave us an inside look at what it's like to go back to school, and take a chance on a new career path. Here are the highlights from our conversation. [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-leshan-think-combined-electriciannetwork-cabling-program) ## [Meet Steve Dramnitzke: Your Guide to Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-steve-dramnitzke-plumbing-instructor-explains-what-to-expect-in-plumber-program) [![](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Steve-Dramnitzke-1-900x1024-1.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-steve-dramnitzke-plumbing-instructor-explains-what-to-expect-in-plumber-program) Aug 29, 2019, 12:45:55 PM   *Plumber instructor, Steve Dramnitzke at the Herzing College Cambridge Campus* Steve Dramnitzke is one of the most respected instructors at Herzing Trades (formerly known as the PAT Institute). His extensive experience as a plumber, and proven abilities as a teacher, give students in his plumber program that extra “edge” after graduation. We interviewed Steve to learn more about his background, and get an inside look at how he runs his classroom. [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/meet-steve-dramnitzke-plumbing-instructor-explains-what-to-expect-in-plumber-program) ## [Should You Become a Gas Technician in Ontario? 8 Things to Know](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-gas-technician-8-things-to-consider) [![Gas fitter standing in workshop](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gas-tech-4.jpg)](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-gas-technician-8-things-to-consider) Aug 2, 2019, 9:55:09 AM *Updated December 2025* It doesn't take long to become a gas technician. Training is relatively quick, no apprenticeship is required, and there's room for growth—if you're willing to earn higher levels of certification. But is this the right trade for you? In this post, we break down eight important things to know if you're thinking about becoming a gas technician (gas fitter). We cover the job outlook in Ontario, how to get licensed, the different levels of gas technician, how much money you'll make, the skills needed to succeed in this field, and more. By the end of this post, you'll have a much better idea of what the trade is all about—and exactly how to get started. [Read More](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/should-you-become-a-gas-technician-8-things-to-consider) [❮](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/7) [1](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/1) [...](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/3) [6](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/6) [7](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/7) [8](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/8) [9](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/9) [10](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/10) [11](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/11) [12](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/12) [...](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/12) [12](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/12) [❯](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/author/herzingblog/page/9) ![graduation-cap](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/graduation-cap@2x.png?width=70&height=42&name=graduation-cap@2x.png "graduation-cap") ## Herzing College [![Visit the Herzing College Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/386626/b7315388-4044-4ebb-9b75-af728e6f3d0d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/386626/b7315388-4044-4ebb-9b75-af728e6f3d0d) ### Categories - [News and Events](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/news-and-events) - [Careers and Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/careers-and-training) - [Carpentry](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/carpentry) - [Construction Office](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/construction-office) - [Electrical](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/electrical) - [Gas Fitting](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/gas-fitting) - [HVAC](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/hvac) - [Network Cabling](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/network-cabling) - [Plumbing](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades/tag/plumbing) ### Most Read ### READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL? ## TAKE THE NEXT STEP #### Fill in the form bellow and one of our representatives will help you with documents and requirements to enrol in this program. ### Book a Tour X Visit a Herzing College Campus! ### Ask a Question X Want to Learn More? ### Explore X ### Is Career Training right for you? 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