Appliance service technician is a dynamic profession that generally provides a lot of independence, while letting you tinker with exciting new technologies.
With a constant stream of different types of appliances and models needing repairs, there are always new challenges to keep things interesting. Helping to fix the appliances that people rely on each day can bring real job fulfillment.
Looking for a cool career? HVAC technicians are responsible for literally keeping things cool - or at whatever the desired temperature happens to be.
These professionals take care of our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, making sure our living spaces don't get too cold or hot. They may also install and repair refrigeration systems, which are the foundation of the international food industry.
Photo: Electrician students at Herzing College in Toronto (2019)
Updated June, 2021.
Exactly what kinds of work or areas of specialty can you purse after electrician training? Is there more to this trade than routine wiring installation and repairs?
Absolutely. After you've completed electrician training, there are a wide range of career paths open to you. It all depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and career goals.
What kind of environment do you want to work in? Are you fixed on avoiding outdoor work? Are you especially interested in electronics, computers, renewable energy, or telecommunications?
In this post, we're comparing electrician career paths to help you see what's out there.
Certain paths require additional training. Others are directly related to the skills you'll learn in a typical construction and maintenance electrician program.
Here's a look at some of your top options, plus some helpful information on training.
Plumber students in class at Herzing College Toronto (2019)
Updated June, 2021.
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.
Take a look, get a preview of what you'll learn in training, and the 10 key competencies every plumber needs to succeed.
Updated June, 2021.
Planning to become an electrician apprentice in Ontario? You'll need to follow a specific set of steps from total beginner to licensed journeyperson.
Those steps usually start with some kind of pre-apprenticeship electrician training. This is followed by a mandatory apprenticeship with a licensed electrician.
Once your electrician apprenticeship is complete, you can challenge the certification exam. Pass the exam, and you can get registered as a licensed journeyperson in the trade.
How long do all these steps take? And what kinds of tasks will you perform as an electrician apprentice?
In this post, we break down the training and certification process, including typical tasks for beginner electricians.
Here's how you become an electrician apprentice (and ultimately a licensed electrician) in Ontario.
Updated July, 2021.
Why should you choose an HVAC career, above all other trades?
Well, for starters, you're probably genuinely interested in the kind of work HVAC mechanics do.
This trade involves challenging diagnostics and problem-solving, technical installation and maintenance skills, and deep heating/cooling product knowledge.
HVAC mechanics play a vital role in our everyday lives. Where would we be without warm homes during the brutal Ontario winters? And cool spaces to retreat to during our short, but notoriously intense summers?
Quality HVAC systems keep our air fresh indoors, help sanitize our hospitals, and the latest tech even helps preserve our natural environment.
And of course, cooling technology is essential for the food industry, where reliable refrigeration is the backbone of safe storage and shipping.
From homes to public buildings to businesses to factories—HVAC mechanics have a key part to play across many sectors of the Canadian economy.
So, what else should motivate you to seize the day and start an HVAC career this year? Take a look at 4 big advantages to making this trade your own.
Calling all women to the skilled trades! This is your moment. Women are (finally) moving into construction trades men have dominated since forever—and proving that gender has no impact on their ability to compete.
Think you'd like to learn a skilled trade and leaning toward becoming an electrician? How can you be sure this career is right for you?
There are a few obvious things to consider when making your decision.
There's your natural interests—you want to choose a trade that genuinely appeals to you.
And there's the practical side—what you'd actually be good at, given your temperament and raw talents.
And then there are factors like demand for the trade where you live, salary, and employment options.
In this post, we make it easy for you to decide.
We rounded up all the best reasons to choose an electrician career. Find out why electrician is such a popular trade and how to get started with training.
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!
Why should you consider plumber training above all other trades?
