Herzing Skilled Trades

So you’re interested in a rewarding career in the skilled trades, but you’re torn between the fields of heating/cooling and plumbing?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and plumbing both offer excellent job security, good wages, and the satisfaction of keeping people comfortable in their homes and businesses. But they also have some key differences.

This guide will help you compare the key aspects of HVAC vs. plumbing: duties, skills, salaries, career options, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the trade that’s best for you.

Wolseley Canada, one of the country’s top wholesale distributors of plumbing and heating products, recently sponsored Herzing College’s Women in Trades event and announced three new scholarships.

Kerianne Kerr was tired of instability. She’d bounced around in a variety of short-term jobs, but never really felt like she had a career. So when a friend of hers kept talking about the HVAC field and the need for skilled techs, she decided it was a path worth pursuing.

The trades had never been on her radar. She had never touched a power tool and wasn’t used to physical labour. But the instructors and staff at Herzing College offered the training and support she needed, and Kerianne graduated from the program in September 2023.

We interviewed her recently to get her thoughts on the whole experience. Read on for her story.

Updated January 2024

The principles of heating and cooling remain the same in any setting, but there can be significant differences in residential vs commercial HVAC jobs. It’s not only about the type of building—system complexity, required skills, and working conditions are just a few of the elements that set these two environments apart.

Trying to decide which one is right for you?

Keep reading to learn what differentiates commercial vs residential HVAC work, what skills you need in each setting, and what pros and cons come with pursuing each path.

Each year, Herzing gives an award to the student who delivers the best oral presentation on a topic of their choice. That award is called the Herzing Cup.

Updated January 2024

Checking out your options for a career in the skilled trades? Considering HVAC, but not exactly sure what all is involved?

HVAC technicians and mechanics are service experts who work with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install and calibrate units, repair and replace parts, carry out inspections, and conduct safety testing. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Sound interesting? Of course, every job has its upsides and downsides. Before you go ahead and sign up for HVAC training, you need a solid understanding of the main benefits and drawbacks to choosing this trade. 

Updated January 2024

Intrigued by the challenge of controlling indoor climates? Then you’re smart to be looking into HVAC and gas technician training.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals install and service the systems that control temperature and humidity levels inside buildings. They make sure indoor spaces don’t get too hot, too cold, or too uncomfortable.

That often involves working on gas-fired equipment--which is why HVAC programs that include preparation for gas fitter licensing are the complete package. They help students develop the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of career paths.

So what exactly will you learn in a combined program, and where can that lead you? Let’s take a look.

Updated January 2024

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) trade focuses on indoor climate control.

HVAC technicians install and service the systems that control temperature and air quality in all kinds of buildings, from homes and offices to grocery stores and ice rinks.

Looking to become one of them? Wondering what HVAC training is all about?

In this post, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about HVAC training in Ontario.

We explain what you need to know about apprenticeships, what’s covered in pre-apprenticeship training, what job options you’ll have after graduation, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Updated January 2024

Thinking about going into the heating and cooling trade? Wondering what the career outlook is like for HVAC technicians in Ontario?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) techs install and service the systems that control temperature, air quality, and humidity. They’re the pros who keep indoor spaces comfortable, regardless of the weather.

So it shouldn’t be too surprising that HVAC technicians are in demand all over the province. And the need for their skills isn’t going away anytime soon.

We looked at the latest data on HVAC techs and the factors driving employment growth in this trade. Here’s what you need to know.

Updated December 2023

So, you’re considering a career in HVAC and you’re wondering about job options and salaries in Ontario. Researching this information is actually an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the industry.  

You'll get a realistic idea of where you can work and how much money you can make. This will help you decide if HVAC is the right trade for you. 

In this post, we walk you through four common HVAC careers. You'll see typical duties and skills for each role, plus the latest information on salaries. We cover both entry-level and advanced positions. 

We also include stats on overall demand for HVAC professionals in Ontario and what to expect in HVAC training. Let’s get started.