Herzing Skilled Trades

Raechel Kula’s career path has taken some interesting turns. After several years in software testing, she went back to school for theatre training. But steady work in the entertainment industry is hard to come by, and she liked the idea of a job with more regular hours.

An encounter with some electricians sparked her interest in that trade. That led her to enrol in the electrician and network cabling program at Herzing College.

After graduating in September 2022, she immediately went to work full time at a small company in Toronto that installs lighting, communications, and audio-video systems in commercial and high-end residential properties.

We spoke with Raechel to learn more about her experience at Herzing and how her career has unfolded. Here’s her story.

Don DeLuca never expected to become a college instructor.

He’d always been a natural salesman, and when his computer sales job disappeared he switched to selling network cabling. His boss told him that in order to sell something, you have to know how to do it—so he learned how to be a cabler. He got so good at it that he eventually started his own business, DeLuca Cabling.

He came to Herzing looking for apprentices and ended up becoming a full-time instructor. And recently, he was recognized as our Instructor of the Year!

We caught up with Don this week to learn more about his remarkable story.

Herzing College has partnered with The Career Foundation to help immigrants with an electrical or telecommunications background get specialized training in network cabling.

Updated December 2023

When we pick up our phones, power up our computers, or turn on our TVs, we usually just expect that they will connect to a network that lets them share information. But without the efforts of network cabling specialists, none of that would be possible.

Network cabling specialists are the skilled pros who set up and maintain the structured cabling systems that allow for the transmission of video, voice, and data.

Interested in a career in this field? Wondering what it takes to become a network cabling specialist?

Here are five steps you can take to get started.

Updated December 2023

Cable technicians set up and repair the lines that bring phone, internet, satellite, and cable TV services to all kinds of buildings. They’re responsible for installing and maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure the modern world depends on.

Considering a career in this field? Before you jump in, it’s important to know what your job options are and how much you can earn.

A cable technician salary will vary depending on factors like what specific area you focus on and how much experience you have.

We dug into government labour market data to see how much cable technicians make in various roles.

Have a look at the details so you can decide if this trade is right for you.

Photo: Imran Hasan, President of Transglobal Systems of Canada (TSOC)

Transglobal Systems of Canada (TSOC) has been a trusted and valued industry partner of Herzing College for a long time.

They supply the equipment that our network cabling students practice with in the Herzing workshop, participate in trade shows, and provide employment opportunities for our graduates.

Recently, TSOC took the partnership one step further. They launched a loyalty program that provides Herzing students and alumni with exclusive discounts on cabling products.

We talked with TSOC president Imran Hasan to learn more about the company, the Herzing partnership, the loyalty program, and the telecommunications industry.

Here are the highlights from our conversation.

Updated January 2024

Most of us take for granted that our phones, TVs, and computers connect to some sort of network. We hardly think about the people and technology that make those networks function.

We don't truly understand what goes into setting up, maintaining, and repairing the telecommunications infrastructure we rely on every single day.

This is the world of network cabling. Professionals in this field take special training to learn how to install, troubleshoot, and maintain the structured cabling systems that transmit data, voice, and video.

Thinking of starting a career in this industry?

You probably have some questions about network cabling training, like what skills you'll learn and what jobs you can get after graduation.

That's exactly what we're covering in today's post. Get a good overview of this program, find out what to expect, and see if network cabling is right for you.

Updated January 2024

Living in Ontario and thinking about starting a career in network cabling?

You've come to the right place.

In this post, we'll explain what to expect from a typical network cabling course, plus certification requirements for cable technicians.

We'll also break down job options and the latest employment forecast for cable techs in the province.

Here's everything you need to know.

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. 

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.