The skilled trades have long been the backbone of modern society. And the demand for skilled tradespeople just keeps growing.
Careers in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades offer exceptional opportunities for job stability and professional growth. These fields are at the forefront of innovation, incorporating renewable energy solutions, smart technologies, and eco-friendly practices.
In this post, we guide you through the essential skills, career opportunities, and sustainability trends shaping plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Read on to learn more about the top skilled trades programs to consider for 2025.
The skilled trades are why we have modern infrastructure. From electricians ensuring reliable power grids to plumbers maintaining water systems to HVAC technicians regulating indoor climates, skilled tradespeople build and sustain the physical framework that keeps cities functioning.
With rapid advancements in technology, urbanization, and a growing focus on sustainability, the skilled trades are even more critical. The transition to renewable energy sources, smart infrastructure, and eco-friendly buildings demands expertise in cutting-edge techniques and tools. Plus, as aging infrastructure requires upgrades or replacements, skilled workers are essential for maintaining safety and efficiency.
Career opportunities in the skilled trades offer job security, excellent earning potential, and the satisfaction of seeing the immediate impact of your work. If you want a future where you’re in demand, constantly learning and making a difference, the skilled trades are a fantastic path to follow.
So which specific trades should you consider? Let’s look at three options.
Plumbing training teaches you the essentials of installing, repairing, and maintaining water supply, drainage, and gas systems. Specifically, you learn how to:
Career opportunities in the plumbing trade include:
Electrical trades education prepares you to design, install, maintain and repair the wiring systems that keep our lights on, devices charged, and appliances running. Among other practical skills, you will learn how to:
Career opportunities in the electrical trade include:
HVAC training programs show you how to work with indoor climate control systems. As an HVAC student, you will learn how to:
Career opportunities in the HVAC trade include:
Energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming more and more integrated into the skilled trades. This is creating new avenues for professional development and the implementation of new technical standards.
For instance, plumbers install water-saving toilets, faucets, and shower heads. Greywater recycling systems are also used to repurpose water for non-potable applications like irrigation or toilet flushing. And tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency by only heating water on demand.
Electricians are implementing smart home automation systems that optimize energy use by controlling lighting, appliances, and power consumption remotely. Solar panels and battery storage solutions enable homes and businesses to reduce reliance on non-renewable power. And energy audits can identify inefficient systems, allowing electrical professionals to help clients lower their energy consumption.
HVAC professionals support sustainability by installing high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems. They also focus on proper insulation, air sealing, and ductwork design to maximize efficiency. Other sustainable practices include the use of eco-friendly refrigerants with lower global warming potential and the installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems, which use the earth’s natural temperature for efficient climate control.
Together, these trades help to advance energy efficiency and sustainability, reducing environmental impact while creating cost-effective infrastructure.
The Government of Canada Job Bank gives electricians three out of five stars for outlook in Ontario. That means electricians can expect moderate employment growth through 2026. Plumbers and HVAC technicians have even stronger prospects, with both trades receiving a four-star rating.
Ontario's construction industry is expected to expand steadily over the next few years, and more skilled workers will be needed to meet the rising demand. BuildForce Canada estimates that the province will need to recruit over 140,000 construction workers by 2033 to account for retirements and keep up with industry needs.
The growing demand for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians in Ontario is driven by several factors, including increased demand for housing, greater infrastructure development, and a wave of retirements among skilled tradespeople. The push to make buildings and systems more eco-friendly and energy efficient also boosts the need for skilled trades expertise.
Choosing between plumbing, electrical, and HVAC depends on your interests, strengths, and the type of work environment you prefer. Here are some things to think about:
“Getting into tighter spaces is a challenge, but there are lots of things we can do to take care of ourselves,” says Herzing plumbing graduate Patrick Chan. “For one thing, I’ve invested in keep pads. So going under sinks for extended periods of time doesn’t bother me too much now.”
“The activity has been great for both my physical and mental health,” says Raechel Kula, who completed the combined electrical and network cabling program at Herzing. “I don’t have to go to the gym because we work had all day. It’s really nice, at 46, to say that I’m in the best shape of my life!”
“I remember once we were holding up the indoor head of a ductless unit that we had to install on a wall. It wasn’t the ideal location, but it was what the customer wanted,” recalls Kerianne Kerr, who graduated from Herzing’s HVAC program. “The unit was only maybe 20 pounds and it was easy to carry and lift, but holding it up for 10 minutes at a time, you start feeling it. So I’ve added endurance training as something that I’m going to need to be more consistent with.”
In short:
No matter which trade you choose, you can enjoy long-term stability, growth potential, and the satisfaction of contributing to essential services.
Herzing College’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC programs are designed to give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to impress an employer and get hired as an apprentice. Programs are available in Ottawa, Toronto, and Cambridge, and can be completed in a matter of months.
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