Herzing Skilled Trades

Photo: Electrician apprentice learning from a licensed journeyperson

Updated December 2023

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 2022

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 steady demand all over Ontario.

Salaries are high, too. The Job Bank says construction managers in Ontario earn a median income of over $87,000. Some make more than $146,000.

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 January 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 steady employment growth for gas fitters in the province over the next few years.

And you can make a good living in this field. According to the Job Bank, Ontario gas fitters earn a median salary of about $62,000. 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?

Appliance Service Technician students disassembling units and working on parts at Herzing College Toronto

Updated January 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide to appliance service technician training and careers in Ontario.  

Considering becoming an appliance service technician? Want to know how long training takes and what job opportunities are out there?  

Wondering about certifications, salaries, and demand for this trade in Ontario? 

These are some of the most common questions we get from prospective students. So we pulled them all together here for easy access. 

Get reliable information to plan your next step, and some expert advice on what to expect from a career in the appliance trade. 

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.

Updated November 2022

Considering becoming an appliance service technician? Looking into appliance repair training to see what your options are?

You're in the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through the main skills taught in our Appliance Service Technician course. This is a good starting point for newcomers to the appliance trade.

Find out what to expect in training and the main skills you will learn in class.

Photo: Students working on appliances at Herzing College

Think the world doesn’t need any more appliance service technicians, because people just throw out broken units and buy news ones? 

Think again! Sure, in some cases, a broken appliance may be cheaper to replace than fix. But many of today’s high-tech “smart” units do not fall into that category. 

And there is huge demand for technologically advanced major home appliances. Market research shows sales are up and expected to keep climbing in the years ahead. 

“The Canadian home appliances market is recording growth numbers and is largely driven by the innovation in the appliances...  

The products with multi-utility, smart features, that look simple yet more fashionable than the usual ones are gaining more significance and wide appreciation by consumers.” 

These “multi-utility, smart” machines need highly skilled appliance service technicians for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. 

Companies like Whirlpool Canada can’t find enough service technicians with the right skills to service these highly evolved appliances.  

And that’s exactly why we launched our Appliance Service Technician program in partnership with Whirlpool Canada. 

Curious about the training? Check out our student reviews and the best features of this course.

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.