Skilled Trades Blog

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At Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies, we are proud of all of our graduates and love sharing their stories. Alicia Bowlby attended the Skilled Trades Academy last year and successfully completed the Full Gas Technician course. Here's what she had to say about her experience at the Skilled Trades Academy and being a woman working in the skilled trades industry.

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The skilled trades industry is an important part of our society and economy — trades people touch almost every aspect of our daily lives. They build our homes and our cars. They work in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas. Canada is depends on the skilled trades, they keep our country going.

That said, the skilled trades have gotten a bad reputation, and we aren't sure why. With myths like these spreading, it's no wonder Canada is suffering from a severe skilled trades shortage. And so, over the next few weeks, we are going to be exposing myths about the skilled trades and revealing the truth. 

Myth 2: Skilled trades jobs are too inconsistent

Based on past norms, people seem to think that skilled trades jobs are seasonal and inconsistent. It is assumed, especially in Ontario where our winters are long and cold, that if you work in the trades, you will be laid off. But, depending on the trade you pursue, you have nothing to worry about.

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Once you successfully complete your G3 and G2 training and certification, your career options are practically limitless. Your Gas Technician license opens doors to skilled trades career opportunities that you may not have even considered before. In our Career Close-Up series, we'll explore the industry jobs you can choose from to help you prepare for the career you want!

Gas Fitters (Gas Technicians)

Gas fitters — also called gas technicians or gas servicers — install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and equipment like meters, regulators, heating units and appliances. They work in a variety of environments from residential buildings, commercial and even industrial establishments. Generally, gas fitters are employed by gas utility companies as well as private gas servicing companies.

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

When people think about the skilled trades, there are many specific jobs that come to mind. But the skilled trades employ more than electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders; consider a Gas Technician, for example. Entering the skilled trades with a Gas Technician license gives you more options than simply a gas fitter. It allows you to explore the extensive options in the skilled trades.

But before you settle on the trade of your dreams, let's talk about why the skilled trades are such a great career option.

Studies have shown that those who are certified in the skilled trades are happier in their careers, have excellent job security and higher wages. So, what else is there?

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

Once you successfully complete your gas technician training and certification, your career options are practically limitless. Your Gas Technician license opens doors to skilled trades career opportunities that you may not have even considered before. In our Career Close-Up series, we'll explore the industry jobs you can choose from to help you prepare for the career you want!

Gas Appliance Repair Technician

Gas appliance repair technicians are the heroes who come to the rescue when water heaters, washers, dryers, stoves or fireplaces are malfunctioning. As a gas appliance repair technician, you will specialize in gas appliances, particularly heating devices, and supporting mechanisms — for example, thermocouples (or heat sensors), thermostats, safety valves and pilot lights (often the most frequent source of problems). Keeping up with manufacturer innovations and service bulletins and being well-educated in the diagnosis, service and repair of the components that keep appliances working.

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 4 MINUTES

The skilled trades industry is an important part of our society and economy — trades people touch almost every aspect of our daily lives. They build our homes and our cars. They work in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas. Canada is depends on the skilled trades, they keep our country going.

That said, the skilled trades have gotten a bad reputation, and we aren't sure why. With myths like these spreading, it's no wonder Canada is suffering from a severe skilled trades shortage. And so, over the next few weeks, we are going to be exposing myths about the skilled trades and revealing the truth. 

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

Once you successfully complete your gas technician training and certification, your career options are practically limitless. Your Gas Technician license opens doors to skilled trades career opportunities that you may not have even considered before. In our Career Close-Up series, we'll explore the industry jobs you can choose from to help you prepare for the career you want!

Residential Furnace Technician

Furnaces are the workhorses of a home that are typically overlooked until problems arise, which can make life miserable for the homeowners. Furnace repair technicians return a furnace to normal function by interpreting the data from diagnostic tools, such as voltmeters and combustion analyzers, and adjusting system controls accordingly. As a Residential Furnace Technician, you are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing furnaces in residential dwellings. 

The Canadian government has identified a demand for qualified workers in the skilled trades. It is time to take advantage of this demand with a Gas Technician certification, offered at all levels at the Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies.