Herzing Skilled Trades

Updated December 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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. 

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

Updated December 2024

So you've earned your G3 and are ready to go after your G2 certification. There are many good reasons to level up and challenge the TSSA G2 exam.

You'll need this Certificate of Qualification to build your career in plumbing, HVAC, appliance repair—or to find employment as a gas fitter in Ontario.

So what can you expect to learn in a Gas 2 training program? What should you look for in a quality program and keep in mind about the exam? Here's what you need to know.

Plumber students in class at Herzing College Toronto (2019)

Updated December 2024

So, you're thinking of becoming a plumber. What's drawing you to this trade? Maybe it's the fact that we rely so completely on water services that good plumbers are always in demand.

Or maybe you're particularly interested in the world of plumbing fixtures, water system design, and all the new technology coming up in this field.

Whatever your motivation, your first step is to consider the steps involved in plumber training and the skills you'll need to build a successful career.

And that's exactly what we're covering in this post. This is our master list of essential plumbing skills.

Get a preview of what you'll learn in training and the 10 key competencies every plumber needs to succeed.

Updated December 2022

Planning to become an electrician apprentice in Ontario? You'll need to follow a specific set of steps from total beginner to licensed journeyperson.

Those steps usually start with some kind of pre-apprenticeship electrician training. This is followed by a mandatory apprenticeship with a licensed electrician.

Once your electrician apprenticeship is complete, you can challenge the certification exam. Pass the exam, and you can get registered as a licensed journeyperson in the trade.

How long do all these steps take? And what kinds of tasks will you perform as an electrician apprentice?

In this post, we break down the training and certification process, including typical tasks for beginner electricians.

Here's how you become an electrician apprentice (and ultimately a licensed electrician) in Ontario.

Updated December 2024

Why should you choose an HVAC career above all other trades?

Well, for starters, you're probably genuinely interested in the kind of work HVAC mechanics do.

This trade involves challenging diagnostics and problem-solving, technical installation and maintenance skills, and deep heating/cooling product knowledge.

HVAC mechanics play a vital role in our everyday lives. Where would we be without warm homes during the brutal Ontario winters? And cool spaces to retreat to during our short but notoriously intense summers?

Quality HVAC systems keep our air fresh indoors, help sanitize our hospitals, and even help preserve our natural environment.

And of course, cooling technology is essential for the food industry, where reliable refrigeration is the backbone of safe storage and shipping.

From homes to public buildings to businesses to factories—HVAC mechanics have a key part to play across many sectors of the Canadian economy.

So, what else should motivate you to seize the day and start an HVAC career this year? Take a look at four big advantages to making this trade your own.

Updated April 2022

"So, how much math do I really need to know to become an electrician?" We get this question all the time when we're interviewing applicants for electrician training.

Many students who are considering electrician training feel insecure about their math skills.

By the time high school graduation rolls around, many are totally "done" with math. They never want to see another algebraic equation or geometry question as long as they live!

Sound familiar? Have you heard that electricians use a lot of math on the job, and figure you shouldn't even bother considering this trade?

Before you make up your mind, first understand how electricians actually use math. Take a look at some common applications of math in day-to-day electrical work.