Herzing Skilled Trades

Plumbing students at Herzing College Skilled Trades

Updated October 2022

There's so much to learn and remember at the start of trades training. Plumbing courses are no different. From technical terminology, tool names, building codes, and procedures to just learning the names of your classmates—it can feel overwhelming at first.

However, with good instruction, hard work, and hands-on practice, your understanding and confidence will grow.  Before you know it, you'll be finished pre-apprenticeship training, completing your apprenticeship, and earning your Certificate of Qualification.

But in the meantime, what are some ways to ease your transition from plumber newbie to experienced pro?

Follow these five simple rules and you'll do just fine—not just in plumber courses, but throughout your entire career.

Planning to enrol in an electrician program? Have you given any thought to what environment you'd like to work in or areas you'd like to specialize in as you progress in your career?

Electricians work in several different domains: domestic, commercial, and industrial.  Each path comes with its own unique challenges, technical demands, and specialized skills.

A plumber diagnoses the source of a leaky pipe (image courtesy of Ocean Yamaha)

Considering plumber training and wondering what kinds of problems you'll face on a day-to-day  basis?

Home and commercial building owners often wait till the last minute to seek professional plumbing help. When you get there, you will often encounter ill-fated attempts at DIY fixes and neglected issues that have multiplied into messy and expensive jobs.

And of course, you will get called in to fix those pesky little plumbing problems we all face from time to time—the routine water and drainage issues that derail our routines and totally disrupt our lives.

This post looks at three such problems and how you can expect to handle them after finishing plumbing training.

HVAC technicians monitor the refrigeration weight and pressure of a chiller in order to correctly recharge the unit (Source: Flikr)

If a client calls complaining about an air conditioner or heat pump not working properly, a refrigerant leak is one possible source of the problem.

Not only do refrigerant leaks impair system performance, waste money, and hurt the environment, they're also poisonous to humans.

Updated October 2022

Students enrolling in pre-apprenticeship training should expect site safety to be a major feature of both theory and hands-on coursework.

Construction professionals in Ontario are compelled to meet specific safety training and certification requirements. Quality trades colleges introduce and reinforce those standards from day one of training, ensuring pre-apprentices are equipped with the fundamentals employers look for—the safety knowledge needed to protect themselves, colleagues, and the public while working.

Wondering what kinds of safety practices you will learn in pre-apprenticeship training?

Start by understanding some of the most common job site injuries, and why safety education is key for preventing accidents.

Photo: An HVAC technician checks the temperature gauges on an a/c unit (image source: KOMUnews)

Updated December 2022

Are you considering becoming an HVAC technician? Your first step is to find a well-respected training program that will help you get hired as an apprentice.

Before you can challenge the certification exam, you must complete an apprenticeship. HVAC companies don't usually hire apprentices right off the street, so you'll need some sharp skills to get your foot in the door.

What skills do employers look for?

In this post, we break down the skills and qualities that matter most to HVAC employers.

You will start building these skills in pre-apprenticeship HVAC training, and continue honing them throughout your HVAC career.

Faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of property damage and serious injury due to fire. Many fires in Canada are caused by bad wiring—brought on by poor maintenance and incorrectly installed components.

Overly confident homeowners attempting DIY electrical projects are one part of the problem. Another issue is lack of knowledge regarding wiring safety procedures and danger signs.

Updated January 2023

What exactly is network cabling?

Cabling specialists install and repair telecommunications lines. They work in homes and businesses, setting up and troubleshooting internet, cable and satellite TV, and phone lines. This trade requires a unique combination of customer service skills, technical aptitude, adaptiveness to emerging technology, and exceptional problem-solving.

Wondering if a network cabling program is right for you? Start by answering these five questions.

Updated May 2023

Demand for skilled tradespeople has risen sharply in Canada due to baby boomers retiring and economic growth in most construction sectors.  Trades training is definitely a smart career path for students who want marketable skills and job opportunities after completing an apprenticeship.

But which trade should you pursue? If you're considering electrician training but aren't quite sure what this job entails (or if it's right for you), we've put together a short list of common troubleshooting issues electricians face on house calls.

These challenges range from simple to complex and offer a window into the important work electricians do to keep our lives running smoothly—and protect us from harm.

Updated October 2022

Effective problem-solving in plumbing means having the right tools on hand and knowing which ones are best suited to each challenge. A pipe may have just burst and the house or office is rapidly filling with water—but a good plumber doesn't panic. He or she knows exactly which tools to reach for first.

Plumbing tools vary depending on the work environment (residential, commercial, industrial), but there are definitely some standard go-tos you'll use on a regular basis after becoming a plumber. Here are our top five.