Herzing Skilled Trades

Considering a career working with wood? From framing homes and building commercial structures to crafting custom cabinets and fine woodwork, carpenters play a key role in shaping the spaces where people spend their time. But before committing to training, you probably want to know: How much do carpenters actually make in Ontario?

In this post, we break down average wages for general carpenters and cabinetmakers across the province, explain what influences your earning potential, and highlight practical steps you can take to boost your income.

Let’s get started.

You’ve been hired as an apprentice—congratulations! You’re about to put your skills to work in the real world alongside experienced journeypersons who will guide your development.

Exciting? Absolutely. A little terrifying? Of course.

But whether you’re heading into plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or another skilled trade, the fundamentals are the same: show up with a positive attitude, keep your ears open, and remember that everyone started exactly where you are right now.

This guide covers everything you need to crush your first day and the next chapter in your apprenticeship journey. We walk through what actually happens during orientation (hint: lots of safety talk), what you should have with you, and how you can make a strong first impression.

Ready for some first-day apprentice tips? Let’s dive in.

Updated January 2026

The construction industry is undergoing a digital revolution, with cutting-edge technologies reshaping how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. Construction is becoming smarter, faster, and more sustainable. As new technologies gain traction, professionals must adapt to stay competitive.

So what exactly does that mean? In 2026, mastering digital tools, AI-driven project management, and green building practices will be essential for success.

This post explores the key technologies transforming construction and highlights the skills, training, and certifications that can help you future-proof your career in this evolving industry. Keep reading to find out how you can position yourself for success.

Updated December 2025

If you’re considering a career in the trades, you may be thinking ahead to getting the Red Seal endorsement.

A Red Seal endorsement is an extra mark of distinction that gets added to your provincial or territorial trade certificate. It provides Canada-wide recognition of your abilities.

Essentially, a Red Seal is a widely respected stamp of approval.

So how do you go about getting it?

In this post, we take you through the process of becoming a Red Seal certified tradesperson. Discover what you must do to get a Red Seal endorsement, why you should consider doing so, and how you can get started.

Updated December 2025

Vocational education is designed to equip students with the specific skills and knowledge required for immediate employment. In other words, it’s about meeting workforce needs. And it’s becoming increasingly relevant for anyone seeking long-term career stability and growth.

The skilled trades rely on vocational training, and the industry is currently dealing with a labour shortage. With growing demand and many tradespeople set to retire, Canada needs many more people to undergo training in order to fill critical roles in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

Keep reading to learn about the rising importance of vocational training, what’s driving the demand, and why you should take a good hard look at this educational path.

In the skilled trades, where the work is often physically demanding and the industry constantly evolves, career longevity can be a challenge. However, with the right strategies and mindset, tradespeople can enjoy long, successful careers that are both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Understanding how to maintain your health, stay current with industry trends, and balance work with your personal life is essential to ensuring your skills and passion stand the test of time.

In this post, we provide key tips and insights on how to achieve career longevity in the skilled trades, helping you build a solid foundation for a lifetime of success.

In Canada, women currently make up a very small percentage of the construction workforce, but a lot is changing within the industry in an effort to bump that number higher.

BuildForce Canada estimates that by 2032, the Canadian construction industry will require nearly 300,000 workers to keep up with demand. Many government agencies, construction organizations, and trade schools are doing everything they can to make sure that more women are included in this expansion.

Updated December 2025

A well-crafted skilled trades resume is a critical tool for your job search. It needs to showcase your skills in a way that captures an employer’s attention and convinces them to call you for an interview.

Most hiring managers spend just a few seconds deciding whether they should take that step. So how can you maximize your chances of getting noticed?

Updated December 2025

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.

Updated December 2025

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.