Class in session at Herzing College Skilled Trades in Toronto

Have you been thinking about learning a skilled trade? Maybe have your eye on electrician, plumber, HVAC or gas tech training?

We've all heard that tradespeople are in high demand across Canada—but that alone shouldn't send you running to enrol in a pre-apprenticeship program.

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 June, 2021.

Want to become a certified gas technician? Your first step is to learn about the TSSA's gas tech certification requirements.

Any tradesperson who works with oil or gas must get licensed to legally operate in Ontario. Obviously this rule applies to gas technicians. But it also impacts trades like HVAC and appliance repair, which involve installing and servicing fuel-powered units.

So, who is the TSSA, and what steps must you go through to meet their certification requirements? What training should you get to prepare for your gas technician exam, and what is the test like?

Here's your quick guide to getting gas tech certified this year.

Updated June, 2021

Good electricians will always be in demand. Talented “sparkies” are respected for their intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge.

However, it takes several years of training and hard work to become an electrician. And life on-the-job isn't always easy.

Do you have what it takes? Is this the right trades career for you? 

In this post we put together the most common pros and cons of becoming an electrician.  Salary, working conditions, certification requirements, job safety, cost of training—we cover it all. 

Find out if electrician is a good fit for you, and what steps to take next. 

Samantha  Barrette had zero experience taking apart and repairing appliances when she started the Appliance Service Technician program at Herzing College.

Just eight months later, she landed her dream job as an appliance technician with Trans Global Service. Trans Global is Canada's largest appliance service and installation company, with 300 employees and operations all across the country.

And she got that job even though Trans Global had announced a hiring freeze and wasn't officially looking for new technicians.

We interviewed Samantha last week to find out how she landed such a great position and how things are going in her new job.

We also got her opinion on Herzing's Appliance Service Technician program, what it's like to be a female technician, and her daily life on the job.

Here's what we found out.

Photo: Students in the Appliance Service Technician program at Herzing College Toronto

Updated November 2022

Thinking about a trades career, but haven't seriously considered appliance repair? You’re not alone. This field is often overlooked by people entering the trades.  

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC...they all get plenty of attention and interest. But somehow appliance repair flies under the radar. 

The fact is this industry is really growing fast in Canada. There is a serious shortage of appliance service technicians and strong demand for people with the latest technical skills. 

Pre-apprenticeship students in class at Herzing College (2019)

Updated October 2022

Electricians and plumbers have more in common than you might think. They’re both respected tradespeople. They both provide an essential service that will always be in demand. They’re both well paid and if they want, can go into business for themselves. 

So which trade should you choose? Should you become a plumber or an electrician? 

There’s always been debate over which of these trades is “better”. The truth is, there is no right answer. But, there are a few things you can think about, to help figure out which path fits you best. 

Here are seven key points to consider when making your decision. 

A network cabling student at work in the classroom at Herzing College

Updated October 2022

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. 

Pre-apprenticeship plumber students hard at work at Herzing College in Toronto 

Updated November 2022

Thinking about becoming a plumber and looking into pre-apprenticeship programs? Like most skilled tradespeople right now, plumbers are in demand—so it’s a smart career choice.