Herzing Skilled Trades

Updated December 2024

Many people have a vague notion that skilled trades equals construction workers, but the reality is this field is much broader. The sector includes those who do everything from building houses and maintaining machinery to cutting hair and preparing food.

So what are skilled trades? They’re jobs that involve hands-on work and require specialized skills, usually gained through a trade school program, an apprenticeship, or both.

And there are plenty of such jobs available. According to a report from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, Canada will need more than 120,000 new tradespeople between 2022 and 2026.

In this post, we describe some common careers in the skilled trades, explain which ones have the strongest demand, and provide everything you need to know about how to get started in one of these exciting career paths.

Class in session at Herzing College Skilled Trades in Toronto

Have you been thinking about learning a skilled trade? Maybe have your eye on electrician, plumber, HVAC or gas tech training?

We've all heard that tradespeople are in high demand across Canada—but that alone shouldn't send you running to enrol in a pre-apprenticeship program.

The difference between residential and commercial plumbing is always a hot topic for debate—after all, pipes are pipes, right? Well, not exactly.

While it's true that commercial and residential work do share certain attributes, there are key elements that set these work environments apart for plumbers.

In this post, we look at some of those elements, as well as the distinct challenges plumbers face in residential versus commercial settings. Here are six differences between these two plumber career paths.

You’re probably aware that the route to many careers in the skilled trades involves an apprenticeship. An experienced tradesperson agrees to hire and mentor you, and you undergo a mix of in-school lessons and paid on-the-job training.

However, it can be tough to find someone willing to take you on if you have no background in the trade.

That’s where a pre-apprenticeship comes in. This is a college-level program that helps you develop a foundation of skills in a trade. It’s designed to give you the theory and hands-on training you need to attract an employer’s attention and get hired as an apprentice.

Thinking about a career in the trades? Keep reading to learn about the value of pre-apprenticeship training and how it can help set you up for success.

Each year, Herzing gives an award to the student who delivers the best oral presentation on a topic of their choice. That award is called the Herzing Cup.

Herzing College has partnered with The Career Foundation to help immigrants with an electrical or telecommunications background get specialized training in network cabling.

Household appliances bring our lives such comfort and convenience, it's hard to imagine a world without them.

Most of the self-contained electric and gas-powered appliances that we rely on each day were invented in just the last century. They have done wonders to increase our recreation time and make our lives so much easier.

Herzing students in the appliance repair workshop

Updated December 2024

Checking out your options for a career in the skilled trades? Considering HVAC, but not exactly sure what all is involved?

HVAC technicians and mechanics are service experts who work with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install and calibrate units, repair and replace parts, carry out inspections, and conduct safety testing. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Sound interesting? Of course, every job has its upsides and downsides. Before you go ahead and sign up for HVAC training, you need a solid understanding of the main benefits and drawbacks to choosing this trade. 

If you recently graduated from Herzing College Skilled Trades, chances are you know Christine Azevedo.

Christine is the Associate Director of Career Services at Herzing in the trades division. She works tirelessly with students to find them jobs after trades training.

Don't know how to put together a professional resume and cover letter? Christine can help you with that.

Not sure where/how to look for jobs in your field? Christine will show you the ropes—and even send out your resume to companies who hire Herzing skilled trades grads.

She'll coach you on how to approach potential employers and how to present yourself during interviews.

Christine is one of Herzing's go-to career specialists. So, when we decided to write a post on getting hired after trades school, she was the obvious person to talk to.

Here are Christine's top tips for landing your first job or apprenticeship.