The rules are clear: if you want to become an electrician in Ontario, you must complete an apprenticeship.

That’s a 5-year process of learning the trade, mainly through paid on-the-job training, but also through classroom study. You need to prove you have the skills and expertise to do the work safely.

But before starting any of that, most people complete an electrical pre-apprenticeship. That gives you a solid foundation of skills that employers value in new apprentices.

So what is an electrical pre-apprenticeship all about? How do you get started, what do you learn, and what career options will you have when you graduate?

Keep reading to find out.

Updated December 2022

Intrigued by the challenge of controlling indoor climates? Then you’re smart to be looking into HVAC and gas technician training.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals install and service the systems that control temperature and humidity levels inside buildings. They make sure indoor spaces don’t get too hot, too cold, or too uncomfortable.

That often involves working on gas-fired equipment--which is why HVAC programs that include preparation for gas fitter licensing are the complete package. They help students develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of career paths.

So what exactly will you learn in a combined program, and where can that lead you? Let’s take a look.

Updated December 2022

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) trade focuses on indoor climate control.

HVAC technicians install and service the systems that control temperature and air quality in all kinds of buildings, from homes and offices to grocery stores and ice rinks.

Looking to become one of them? Wondering what HVAC training is all about?

In this post, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about HVAC training in Ontario.

We explain what you need to know about apprenticeships, what’s covered in pre-apprenticeship training, what job options you’ll have after graduation, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Updated December 2022

You’re smart to be thinking about becoming a gas fitter. Demand is steady, and it doesn’t take long to get the necessary training.

But you’re probably wondering what sort of job options you’ll have.

Gas fitter careers can take a variety of forms, depending on the type of certification you hold and the amount of experience you have. Certified gas fitters can also pursue opportunities in related trades like plumbing, HVAC, and appliance repair.

In this post, we outline the certification requirements, job options, and potential employers for gas fitters in Ontario.

Keep reading to find out where this trade can take you.

Updated December 2022

Thinking about going into the heating and cooling trade? Wondering what the career outlook is like for HVAC technicians in Ontario?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) techs install and service the systems that control temperature, air quality, and humidity. They’re the pros who keep indoor spaces comfortable, regardless of the weather.

So it shouldn’t be too surprising that HVAC technicians are in demand all over the province. And the need for their skills isn’t going away anytime soon.

We looked at the latest data on HVAC techs and the factors driving employment growth in this trade. Here’s what you need to know.

Updated November 2022

Cable technicians set up and repair the lines that bring phone, Internet, satellite, and cable TV services to all kinds of buildings. They’re responsible for installing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure the modern world depends on.

Considering a career in this field? Before you jump in, it’s important to know what your job options are and how much you can earn.

A cable technician salary will vary depending on factors like what specific area you focus on and how much experience you have.

We dug into government labour market data to see how much cable technicians make in various roles.

Have a look at the details so you can decide if this trade is right for you.

Appliance repair technicians are the people who come to the rescue when our dishwashers leak or our ovens won’t light.

They use their mechanical and electrical expertise to install and fix washers, dryers, stoves, fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, and other appliances. That’s the basic job description.

But if you become an appliance tech, what would you actually do on the job? What would your daily routine involve?

In this post, we explain the common tasks appliance technicians perform and what a typical workday might look like. Find out what to expect at work and see if this trade is a good choice for you.

Updated November 2022

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.

Appliance technician students learning how to disassemble and repair microwaves at Herzing College Toronto

Updated November 2022

If you ask the average person to name some skilled trades, there’s a good chance appliance repair won’t make the list. It just doesn’t come to mind most of the time.

Which is a shame, because this is a fast-growing field with a ton of opportunities across Ontario.

Appliances like fridges, ovens, freezers, washers, dryers, and microwaves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex. And there aren’t enough people with the technical expertise to service and repair them.

The truth is that the demand for appliance technicians has been rising steadily for years. And it’s expected to continue growing for the foreseeable future.

Keep reading to find out what’s driving this trend—and how you can take advantage of it.

Updated December 2022

Considering a career as an electrician? Wondering what the employment outlook in Ontario is like?

Good news: the overall demand for electricians throughout the province is expected to remain steady for the foreseeable future.

Of course, there are different types of electricians, and different factors that affect the demand for their expertise. To get the full story, we reviewed labour market data for construction and maintenance electricians, industrial electricians, power system electricians, and lineworkers.

Get the latest information on demand for electricians in Ontario and learn how you can get started in this trade.