Herzing Skilled Trades

Plumber students in class at Herzing College Toronto (2019)

Updated January 2023

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 2023

No doubt, you've heard that demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise in Canada. If you're thinking about a career change, or looking for a path to follow after high school, trades training makes a lot of sense.

But which trade?

There is a long list of occupations to choose from—everything from carpenter, welder, and auto mechanic, to steamfitter, powerline technician, brick and stone mason...and, of course, plumber!

Here's our list of very good reasons why plumber training is a smart career move and an excellent investment in your future.

In today's competitive job market, having expertise in a secondary trade can really increase your job options.

Building a diverse skillset makes you eligible for a much wider range of employment opportunities, giving you better chances for finding which career path works best for you.

This is why combined trades training could be your best choice.

Updated January 2024

Been considering taking plumber training for a while, and wondering if this is the year you should take the leap?

Beginning a new career path is challenging for many people, especially if it involves going back to school. Will the effort be worth it? Will the investment in plumber training pay off with reliable, rewarding work after graduation?

These are some of the questions we tackle in this post, as we break down what we consider the top five reasons to seize the day and start a plumber program this year.

Updated December 2023

So long as humanity continues to rely on plumbing technology, we will need experienced, skilled plumbers to install, repair, and maintain the systems we use every day.

Residential, commercial, industrial construction—plumbers can specialize in any of these areas. You can work for a company or start your own business.

But like any trade, becoming a plumber means taking on certain challenges.  Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Take a look at the top advantages and drawbacks of life as a plumber and decide for yourself.

Whether it's an overflowing bowl or something very odd flushed down the drain—toilet troubles are often a source of embarrassment, stress, and frustration for homeowners.

Many of your future clients will try to troubleshoot (or simply ignore) their malfunctioning toilet until it becomes a genuine emergency, or simply too annoying to bear.

What kinds of issues can you expect to deal with most often after plumbing training? Here are your top five most common toilet problems and the causes you'll investigate first when solving them.

Plumbing students at Herzing College Skilled Trades

Updated October 2022

There's so much to learn and remember at the start of trades training. Plumbing courses are no different. From technical terminology, tool names, building codes, and procedures to just learning the names of your classmates—it can feel overwhelming at first.

However, with good instruction, hard work, and hands-on practice, your understanding and confidence will grow.  Before you know it, you'll be finished pre-apprenticeship training, completing your apprenticeship, and earning your Certificate of Qualification.

But in the meantime, what are some ways to ease your transition from plumber newbie to experienced pro?

Follow these five simple rules and you'll do just fine—not just in plumber courses, but throughout your entire career.

A plumber diagnoses the source of a leaky pipe (image courtesy of Ocean Yamaha)

Considering plumber training and wondering what kinds of problems you'll face on a day-to-day  basis?

Home and commercial building owners often wait till the last minute to seek professional plumbing help. When you get there, you will often encounter ill-fated attempts at DIY fixes and neglected issues that have multiplied into messy and expensive jobs.

And of course, you will get called in to fix those pesky little plumbing problems we all face from time to time—the routine water and drainage issues that derail our routines and totally disrupt our lives.

This post looks at three such problems and how you can expect to handle them after finishing plumbing training.

Updated October 2022

Effective problem-solving in plumbing means having the right tools on hand and knowing which ones are best suited to each challenge. A pipe may have just burst and the house or office is rapidly filling with water—but a good plumber doesn't panic. He or she knows exactly which tools to reach for first.

Plumbing tools vary depending on the work environment (residential, commercial, industrial), but there are definitely some standard go-tos you'll use on a regular basis after becoming a plumber. Here are our top five.