Meet Darren Fearnley: Your Expert Guide to HVAC Training

Oct 22, 2019 9:17:42 AM

Darren Fearnley is a 40-year veteran of the HVAC industry. He teaches the HVAC and Gas Technician program at Herzing College. 

Are you thinking of becoming an HVAC mechanic? No matter which part of the industry you’re aiming for, your path begins with a solid pre-apprenticeship program. Students with a good grounding in HVAC fundamentals have a much better chance of landing an apprenticeship—which you’ll need to get certified. 

Should You Become a Plumber or an Electrician? 7 Points to Consider

Oct 10, 2019 2:40:09 PM

Pre-apprenticeship students in class at Herzing College (2019)

Updated December 2023

Electricians and plumbers have more in common than you might think. They’re both respected tradespeople. They both provide an essential service that will always be in demand. They’re both well paid and if they want, can go into business for themselves. 

So which trade should you choose? Should you become a plumber or an electrician? 

There’s always been debate over which of these trades is “better”. The truth is, there is no right answer. But, there are a few things you can think about, to help figure out which path fits you best. 

Here are seven key points to consider when making your decision. 

Stable Demand for Network Cabling Specialists in Ontario

Sep 30, 2019 1:28:47 PM

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 Training: 8 Things to Know Before You Begin

Sep 20, 2019 2:52:43 PM

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. 

But there are a few key things to know before you jump into a training course. Like what’s involved in getting certified as a plumber, how long will it take, and exactly what is the point of pre-apprenticeship plumber training. 

Review of Herzing's Combined Electrician and Network Cabling Program

Sep 9, 2019 1:09:01 PM

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.

Meet Steve Dramnitzke: Your Guide to Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training

Aug 29, 2019 12:45:55 PM

 

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.

Should You Become a Gas Technician? 8 Things to Know Before You Get Started

Aug 2, 2019 9:55:09 AM

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.

5 Reasons You Need Your Gas Fitter Licence (& How to Get Started)

Jul 23, 2019 1:05:40 PM

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!

HVAC vs. Electrician: Which Skilled Trade is Better for You?

Jul 11, 2019 12:13:59 PM

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.

Top 9 Myths About Becoming a Plumber: Should You Go For It?

Jun 5, 2019 12:02:48 PM
 Plumbing students pose for a photo at Herzing College Skilled Trades

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.

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