Herzing Skilled Trades

A network cabling student at work in the classroom at Herzing College

Updated January 2024

If you’re thinking about starting a trades career, you’re probably looking for a trade that matches your natural skills and interests—and has good employment prospects where you live. 

You need to make sure your investment in trades training will pay off. And that means doing some research on which jobs are most in demand and which of those trades are a good fit for you. 

This week we’re spotlighting the network cabling field. This trade has seen stable employment in Ontario over the last several years, with positive outlooks for the future. It’s also a voluntary trade, which means you don’t need to do an apprenticeship and get certified in order to work in the field. 

Training for network cabling specialists is quick, there are several different job options out there, and you can even start your own business. 

Is becoming a network cabling specialist right for you? Here’s what you need to know to make a smart decision. 

Pre-apprenticeship plumber students hard at work at Herzing College in Toronto 

Updated January 2024

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. 

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.

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.

Updated January 2024

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.

Updated January 2024

Been thinking you should get your gas fitter licence, but dragging your feet on starting training? This post is for you.

First, a bit of background: To legally work as a gas fitter in Ontario, you need a gas technician certification from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). You can start with a G3 level certificate—but a G3 only allows you to work on gas-fired equipment under supervision. To work unsupervised, you need a G2 gas certification.

In this post, we're breaking down all the ways a G3 or G2 licence can seriously improve your job options in the trades. We also include information on how training and certification works, so you'll have everything you need to take the next step.

So let's get started. Here are five very good reasons to get your gas fitter licence...and a little inspiration to get off your couch and into a classroom!

Updated December 2023

If you look at skilled trade forums and discussion groups online, you'll often see debate over HVAC and electrician—and which career path is better. It's not that one trade is actually superior to the other. It's more that they're both very popular...so students often have a hard time deciding which path to pursue.

In this post, we're breaking down the benefits of both trades. To help you make a smart decision, we'll look at training, key skills, job outlook, and typical pros and cons of HVAC and electrician work.

In the end, it will come down to which field you're more passionate about. But we're hoping this information helps clarify a few things. Let's get started.

Updated December 2023

We love busting myths about the skilled trades—and plumbing myths are some of the worst out there!

If you're even considering becoming a plumber, getting accurate information on training, careers, and the field in general is crucial. You need this info to make an informed decision about your future.

Updated December 2023

Plumbers are respected, well-paid tradespeople. Everyone knows we rely heavily on skilled plumbers for basic survival needs (clean drinking water), and a wide range of daily conveniences (dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, showers, etc.)

This is one of the most popular trade careers out there. Thinking about becoming a plumber, and wondering what's involved in training, certification, and launching your career?

Here are your first five steps to get the ball rolling.

Updated December 2022

This is an excellent time to become an HVAC mechanic in Ontario. The latest career outlook report from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows strong demand for HVAC mechanics and technicians across the province. Several regions, including the Hamilton-Niagara Peninsula and the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula, get a full five-star rating for outlook and growth.

So, if you're considering becoming an HVAC mechanic, and want to jump in while the trade is hot, what steps should you take?