Herzing Skilled Trades

Updated May 2023

Did you know that the voltage and available electrical current in a regular home or business has enough power to cause death by electrocution?

The truth is, all electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Your body is a natural conductor of electricity and is vulnerable to electrical shocks and burns.

These include thermal burns that affect both the external skin and internal tissues—and arc blasts that can cause your lungs to collapse, or muscles to contract, causing a serious fall. Direct contact with energized conductors or circuit parts can interfere with the brain, make it difficult to breathe, or even stop your heart.

Working with electricity is serious business!

If you're taking electrician training or about to begin an apprenticeship, these are eight essential safety measures to know and respect.

Planning to enrol in an electrician program? Have you given any thought to what environment you'd like to work in or areas you'd like to specialize in as you progress in your career?

Electricians work in several different domains: domestic, commercial, and industrial.  Each path comes with its own unique challenges, technical demands, and specialized skills.

Faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of property damage and serious injury due to fire. Many fires in Canada are caused by bad wiring—brought on by poor maintenance and incorrectly installed components.

Overly confident homeowners attempting DIY electrical projects are one part of the problem. Another issue is lack of knowledge regarding wiring safety procedures and danger signs.

Updated May 2023

Demand for skilled tradespeople has risen sharply in Canada due to baby boomers retiring and economic growth in most construction sectors.  Trades training is definitely a smart career path for students who want marketable skills and job opportunities after completing an apprenticeship.

But which trade should you pursue? If you're considering electrician training but aren't quite sure what this job entails (or if it's right for you), we've put together a short list of common troubleshooting issues electricians face on house calls.

These challenges range from simple to complex and offer a window into the important work electricians do to keep our lives running smoothly—and protect us from harm.