Trends are always changing for industries as they adopt new technology and sustainability initiatives. This is especially true for the electrical industry, which seems to be moving at a tremendous pace towards a bright future. For an aspiring electrician who’s pursuing a career in the electrical industry, it’s important to be aware of the new trends that are shaping the industry today. The electrical industry is making strides in innovative solutions that will make your career that much more exciting.

At NATS, you’ll get hands-on training through our Construction and Maintenance Electrician program. You’ll learn wiring, service installation, code interpretation, conduit bending, and more for residential, commercial and industrial electricity, as you prepare yourself for upcoming trends in the industry. So, read on to learn more about some of the top industry trends!

Smart Cities Will Be a Big Hit After Your Electrician Training

The electrical industry will see a rising trend in the use and implementation of the smart city framework. A smart city is considered a network made up of information and communication technologies that deliver smart sustainable efforts directed at challenges affecting a growing urban population. A smart city gives the people and their governing bodies the power to make better choices for themselves. 

After you complete your electrician training, you’ll be amazed at how a smart city allows people to receive, analyze and oversee data in real-time, which helps them make important decisions that improve their quality of life. Residents of a smart city can monitor their electricity usage and energy consumption through their smartphones and be connected to electrical companies that can also monitor data in real-time. This will help resolve any electrical issues as they occur while improving sustainability and reducing cost. 

The Arrival of Augmented Reality to Help With Electrical Work

With the use of augmented reality (AR) being utilized in various industries, it’s about time the electrical industry got on board as well. Augmented reality is becoming a useful technological advancement that’s making its way into the electrical industry, as it helps with electrical projects and tasks. After finishing your training at an electrician school, you may get to wear one of these devices on the job. 

Augmented reality can help you plan out an electrical project as you see its conceptual design right in front of you. You can use AR to assist you in planning for electrical wiring at a residential, commercial or industrial building, or to determine how to fix a faulty electrical panel. AR also gives you the flexibility of offering support to fellow electricians or trainees while they’re working on a project, without you having to be present. 

Sustainable Materials Are Becoming Major Players in the Industry

With customers becoming more conscious of the environment, it has become imperative for many industries to develop innovative solutions that will allow them to offer sustainable and eco-friendly products and services to customers. The electrical industry is also answering that call. 

As an electrician, you’ll probably be making environmentally conscious strides throughout your career as you work on implementing and installing energy-efficient products for different types of buildings or within smart cities. Electrical companies are also shifting their focus toward sustainable operations and offering transparency within their business practices, as they meet consumer demands for energy-saving initiatives. 

Interested in an electrician college?

Contact NATS for more information on our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

As an aspiring home inspector, you’ll be the go-to person when it comes to helping home buyers make informed decisions about their new homes. Your services will be needed to inspect the condition of homes and any signs of defects. Often, those signs will be around the insulation of a house. Knowing when the insulation needs replacing is important to ensure that the temperature is regulated properly throughout the house. 

At NATS, you’ll get hands-on training in home inspection. You’ll learn about the systems and components of a house, which include roofing, structure, electrical, air conditioning and heat pumps, plumbing, insulation and more. You’ll learn what problems to look for when performing a home inspection–and insulation problems are some of them. Read on for a look at some of the common insulation problems you’ll encounter. 

Expect to See Animal Damage to the Insulation During Your Home Inspector Career

Properly inspecting your customers’ homes for insulation can save them a lot of money down the line. It’s important to inspect the interior and exterior of the house when it comes to insulation, especially for damage caused by pests. Fiberglass insulation–the most common form of insulation found in homes–is at risk of becoming a shelter for unwanted visitors that roam around the walls of your customers’ homes. Throughout your home inspector career, you’ll become accustomed to the signs of insulation damage caused by animals. Many rodents like squirrels, mice and rats can create cracks or gaps in the insulation, causing heat to escape to the outside. To verify the source of the problem, look for signs of animal droppings and hair, as well as broken fiberglass outside and inside your customers’ homes.

Mould Build-Up in a Home’s Insulation

Another insulation problem you’ll probably encounter after you become a home inspector is mould build-up. Mouldy insulation is costly to fix if not caught early and can cause severe health complications for your customers, especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems or allergies. 

Mould can be caused by water damage to the walls, basement, roof or other parts of a house. The condensation and dampness of cold walls will eventually cause the insulation to develop mould, which can spread around your customer’s home. As you inspect your customer’s home, look out for any black, grey or green patches on the walls, floors and insulation. If these are visible, your customers have a mould problem on their hands that needs to be addressed right away. 

Out With the Old and In With the New

When inspecting your customers’ homes, you may also notice that the insulation has deteriorated over time. Insulation, just like anything else, doesn’t last forever. Insulation usually lasts between 15 years to 20 years, before it needs inspecting and replacing. You’ll probably notice drafts, mould and ineffective heating transfer throughout the house when it’s time for the insulation to be replaced. You should advise your customers not to take matters into their own hands when replacing fiberglass insulation, due to the health risks associated with breathing in asbestos and fiberglass particles. While inspecting your customers’ homes, ensure that you inspect the basement, attic and duct for any signs of wear and tear. 

Are you interested in home inspector training?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

Cabinet making is an art. For a cabinet maker who enjoys working with wood and creating top-notch cabinets, you’ll need the right tools for the job. Pneumatic tools make the top of the list of useful equipment to have in your career. Pneumatic tools are considered cheaper than electric tools. They are more precise and lighter to handle, which is an added bonus when your hands are getting tired from working away at the wood.

At NATS, you’ll get pre-apprenticeship training in cabinet making that’ll provide you with the hands-on skills needed to launch your career. You’ll learn about wood design and layout, identifying and selecting wood, reading blueprints, operating woodworking machines and pneumatic tools and much more. Let’s take a closer look at the pneumatic tools you’ll get to use in your cabinet making career!

1. An Air Compressor Is a Must After Cabinet Making Training

If you want to get the job done well using pneumatic tools, then you’ll definitely need to use an air compressor around the woodshop. It may seem noisy and a bit on the large end at first, but simply put, it’s safer and much cheaper to use when you need controlled power out of your tools. After you complete your cabinet making training, you’ll make use of air compressors to supply power to staple guns or nail guns and manage pneumatic jigs and clamps. You’ll probably encounter common air compressors that make use of a pump known as a positive displacement model, which forces the supply of air into the tank. Some of the smaller compact air compressors only use oil-free pumps, offering you the luxury of minimal maintenance. 

2. You Can’t Go Wrong With a Speedy Pneumatic Staple Gun 

A pneumatic staple gun is a powerful and essential tool to have by your side after you complete your training at a cabinet making school. Pneumatic staple guns are used to add finishing touches to cabinets that aren’t usually visible to the naked eye. You’ll use this type of staple gun to fasten the backs of cabinets, assemble cabinet door jambs and fasten tongue and groove cabinet boards. The pneumatic staple gun offers speed and accuracy, powered by the air compressor with the use of a trigger and a cartridge. With this kind of air supply, an electric staple gun can’t match a pneumatic staple gun for power when it comes to working with wood in cabinet making. 

3. Drive Nails With the Pneumatic Finish Nailer

When it comes to driving nails as a cabinet maker, nothing seems easier and faster to use than the pneumatic finish nailer. It provides an instant trigger that shoots the nail straight into the piece of wood. The finish nailer carries 15 to 16-gauge finish nails that offer size and stability for cabinet-making projects. It’s also considered a versatile tool since it can be used with various materials and surfaces. The finish nailer also has a convenient feature that allows you to determine the depth at which you want to insert the nails, without the need for any additional tools. 

Are you interested in cabinet making courses?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

For an individual who’s aspiring to have a successful and rewarding career, becoming a professional welder may be the right path for you. Welding is a fabrication process that uses heat and pressure to join metals or thermoplastics together. A welding career can take you to many different industries, from manufacturing, construction and mining to the aerospace, shipbuilding and military industries. 

At North American Trade Schools, you’ll get hands-on and theoretical training in the welding practice. Through our pre-apprenticeship welding program, you’ll learn how to use modern equipment in welding processes for Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and more. So, what’s it like having a welding career? Read on to find out!

After Your Welding Classes, Keep Safety Top of Mind

The first thing you need to know about welding is that as soon as your workday starts, you’ll be changing into your protective uniform and gear. Without the proper protective equipment and gear, you’re at risk of injury on the job site. After you complete your welding classes, you’ll have to make sure that you have fire-resistant clothing and gloves, as well as a protective helmet and N95 mask. You’ll then check your assigned projects and see what needs to be done for the day. At the same time, you’ll be collaborating with your co-workers and supervisors to ensure that everyone operates safely in the workspace and that the welding process runs smoothly.

Expect Excitement Each Day of Your Welding Career

If you’re looking for dynamic work that keeps you busy, then you’re in luck! After you complete your welding technician training, you’ll find yourself working in a career that’s full of interesting opportunities, different settings, and varying working hours. You may get to work on a variety of tasks throughout the day, including joining metals together, cutting through materials, repairing holes for different structures, and more. So, a long day goes by more quickly than you think. 

Your career won’t just lead to work in indoor spaces or scaffolding but will give you the chance to apply your skills to outside environments–sometimes in extreme or volatile conditions. You can be sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you work away on the job. So whether you’re working as a Welder, Welder Fitter, Boilermaker, Construction Millwright or Ironworker, your day will be full of excitement. As you shift from one welding project to the next, expect variety in your daily work and the potential to develop your career as an expert in different settings.

Your Day Ends the Same Way as it Started

Just like how you started, you’ll have to ensure the correct safety procedures are followed before you leave for the day. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that everything is ready for other welders and for the next day of operations. You’ll have to ensure that your welding job has been completed properly and that no issues have been left unresolved. Take the time to check that all the welding equipment and tools have been switched off and stored properly. It’ll be up to you to ensure that your work area is clean for the next day and with no hazardous materials left around. That way, you’ll be ready to start the next day on the job safely and efficiently. 

Interested in a welding college?

Contact NATS for more information on our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

For an aspiring technician looking to work in the HVAC industry, it’s important to know the common issues your customers may encounter that’ll require your expertise in repairing and resolving those issues. HVAC challenges can sometimes have simple solutions when it comes to repairs, but if not handled immediately and properly, they can cause further damages as well as more time and money to fix.

At NATS, you’ll gain hands-on training through our HVAC pre-apprenticeship program. You’ll learn how to install and maintain gas and propane heating systems, as well as ventilation and air cooling equipment for both residential and commercial environments. Your training will prove to be valuable to customers as you work on resolving common HVAC challenges.

Read on to find out the three common challenges you’ll face in your career!

1. As an HVAC Technician, You May Encounter Pilot or Ignition Issues

One of the common HVAC challenges you’ll encounter might have to do with the gas furnace’s pilot or ignition unit. When this issue is present, it prevents the furnace from dispersing any sort of heat around a unit or home, which can be a big problem in extreme cold weather conditions. 

Ignition problems for the furnace can be caused by dirty pilots or flame sensors. As a professional HVAC technician, you’ll have to examine these furnace components, as their malfunctioning can cause short-cycling, a pilot outage, delayed ignition of the furnace burners or an entire furnace lockout. You’ll have to assess whether the furnace components have experienced wear and tear over time and need replacement, or whether the issue is related to a gas supply problem. 

2. Dirty Filters Are Most Common

After you complete your training from an HVAC school, you may get a call from customers regarding poor airflow circulation around their homes or offices. This is most likely related to dirty air filters. Dirty air filters are the most common HVAC challenges you’ll face during your career. However, they’re fairly simple to handle and resolve. 

A dirty filter will reduce the lifespan of a customer’s furnace because it places more pressure on the furnace to circulate air. It can also cause it to repeatedly overheat and shut off. You’ll have to replace the dirty filter with a new recommended filter based on its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV rating of the filter, the better it is for air quality. 

2. Wear and Tear of Heating System Components

Another common HVAC challenge you may come across during your career is complaints about the heating system’s ability to generate heat for an entire office or home. This can be the result of the wear and tear of some components in the heating system. You’ll have to check the heating system for the condition of its bearing and belts. You’ll probably have to check if the belts are stretched or worn out, and if they require replacing. Additionally, the heating system’s motors and bearings might not be well lubricated, and in that case, you’ll have to oil them to allow them to run smoothly. 

Are you interested in HVAC technician courses?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

It’s normal to feel a  bit nervous before an interview—especially if it’s for a job you really want. Preparing for any job interview can be stressful, but with the proper guidance and preparation, you can ace your interview with flying colours. In fact, we’ve collected a few helpful tips that you can use as you prepare to begin your new career.

Read on to learn how you can prepare for an upcoming home inspector interview!

1. Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail After Your Home Inspector Training

During a home inspector job interview, it’s a good idea to showcase your ability to pay attention to details. Paying attention to details is a pretty important aspect of working as a home inspector, since it’ll be up to you to spot any issues or red flags about the property. After you’ve completed your pre-apprenticeship home inspector training and have started interviewing for different jobs, you might be asked questions that have to do with this skill. If you can share examples of times when you paid careful attention to detail, then it’ll help you demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the position. 

2. Showcase Your Communication Skills

Brushing up on your communication skills is also a good idea before any interview. Fortunately, your training will help you develop and improve your communication skills. Why? Turns out, having good communication skills is important for your home inspector career. Whether writing out reports or communicating with clients, your communication skills will serve you well throughout your career.

To help you prepare for your interview, you can do practice sessions with a friend or family member. You can practice your answers to common interview questions, as well as get comfortable talking about your education and work experience. By taking the time to practice a bit before your interview, you’ll improve your confidence. This can in turn help you feel more comfortable and less nervous during the interview, as well as improve your chances of leaving a good impression. 

3. Take the Time to Research the Company

When preparing for an interview, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and preparation beforehand. In addition to the time you spend brushing up on your communication skills, you’ll also want to spend some time looking over the company website. You can make note of things like the work culture, the type of work involved, the team, and other important pieces of information. It’s also a good idea to look over the job description again. This will help you get a good idea of what you can expect if you were to take the job. It can also help you determine if there are any questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. The interviewer might also be impressed that you took the time to do your research, which can help you stand out against the competition.

Want to become a home inspector?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

With the winter weather almost behind us and spring around the corner, it’s a good time for home renovations. Spring brings with it an enthusiasm and energy for brightening up spaces and fixing them up so that they look nice and feel comfortable all over again.

At North American Trade Schools, you get hands-on training in various aspects of basic home renovation, from carpentry to plumbing, painting, wood finishing, and more. This will help prepare you to tackle various home renovation projects at any time of the year. 

Read on to discover what types of projects people tend to focus on during the spring!

Prepping the Backyard After Home Renovation Training

One of the most common spring renovation projects your customers could ask for will have to do with their backyards—and, more specifically, the decks and patios in those backyards. 
A backyard deck usually bears the full brunt of winter weather, especially when snow piles up on top of it. And, as homeowners start thinking about enjoying the warmer weather, they could want to make their outdoor spaces just a little nicer. After completing your home renovation training, you can use your skills and knowledge to bring your customers’ decks and patios to life by building, resurfacing, sanding and/or repainting them.

Ensuring a Home’s Structural Integrity Is Intact

When you become a home renovation technician and the spring season is in full swing, you might be asked to check a home’s structural integrity. You might be asked to check and see if walls aren’t damaged or floors aren’t crooked. You might also need to check that there are no waterproofing issues that might damage the foundation or basement. Once the snow has melted, these types of issues can sometimes come up.

Doors and Windows Could Need Reno Work as Well

Doors and windows also feel the effects of the winter months. As a result, some homeowners may want these items checked and fixed up. They might feel that the doors have deteriorated because of the continuous cold weather. Doors and windows also experience seal shrinking, which means that cracks can sometimes occur during the winter. In some cases, you might want to replace the seals for all the windows and doors around an entire home. Why? Doors and windows that are properly sealed help keep homes cool during the spring and summer, while also preventing hot air from escaping when homes are heated during the winter months.

Painting Walls Brightens Up Spaces During the Spring

Homeowners tend to make changes to the walls of their homes after the winter season. During winter, the daylight hours tend to be shorter, with less natural light coming in. A wall’s paint tends to look normal during the winter months under the dimmer light of a light bulb. But as soon as the spring season is in progress, and the curtains are drawn back, some homeowners might notice that the walls of their home aren’t as perfect as they once looked. As a result, you could be hired to redo the paint or update the walls with different colour schemes.

Are you interested in home renovation school?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

Welding professionals are responsible for joining metal parts together for different types of metal structures, including buildings, power plants, ships, pipelines and refineries. Training to become a Welder is a great way to secure a successful and rewarding career that you can be proud of.

At NATS, you’ll receive hands-on training in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or ‘MIG’), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or ‘TIG’), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or ‘Stick’). You’ll also learn techniques for basic joint welding, welding preparation, weld symbols and much more. Upon completing your training, this experience will prepare you to pursue a wealth of opportunities within the welding sector. You can begin your career in a junior position, and then gradually advance to other positions as you gain experience and skills.

Here, learn more about the career advancement opportunities you can access later in your career.

Become a Welding Inspector After Welding College

After several years of working as a welding professional, you may consider advancing your career and becoming a Welding Inspector. As a Welding Inspector, you’ll be managing other welders, with the responsibility of ensuring that all job specifications for the project at hand are met. Your welding college training, knowledge, and experience in health and safety will be of help when becoming a Welding Inspector. Your expertise will be needed to ensure that bridges, buildings, and other structures are structurally sound, performing visual inspections to catch any errors in the weld, such as cracks or pits. As a Welding Inspector, you’ll also be testing the stress level of the welds to make sure that they meet the required levels of ductility and strength.

Consider Becoming a Boilermaker

With welding technician training and additional experience working as a Welder, there are a few other advancement options you might want to consider during your career. For example, you may choose to work towards becoming a Boilermaker. As a Boilermaker, you’ll have the opportunity to build, install, maintain and repair the pressure vessels designed to store various gases and liquids. The pressure vessels boilermakers work with might include reactors, heat exchangers, boilers, tanks, closed vats or other containers. These professionals often work within energy facilities including hydro and oil-sands plants, as well as steel, chemical, cement and other manufacturing plants. 

If you’re considering a career as a Boilermaker, you may need to complete additional training in the construction and maintenance of boilers, applying your background in welding to the field. You’ll use your welding skills to assemble boiler tanks, inspect and repair leaks and defects, and complete other necessary work orders.

Pursue a Career as a Pipe Fitter

Are you attentive to detail, or do you possess an aptitude for mechanics? If so, a career as a Pipe Fitter could be right for you. Pipe fitters are responsible for designing, installing and repairing pipe systems, using their background in welding to safely secure pipes to fixtures, walls and other system components. As a pipe fitter, you’ll spend time creating intricate pipe systems in alignment with industry specifications and regulations, measuring pipes to determine where they should be cut, and putting together piping using various welding techniques. 

Successful pipe fitters have plenty of welding experience, enabling them to perform the often complicated welds necessary for pipe fitting projects. What’s more, these professionals possess a strong understanding of industry standards and codes, ensuring that they develop pipe systems which are able to safely transport hazardous chemicals. If this career path interests you, consider specializing in pipe fitting after completing your welding training.

Are you interested in welding classes?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

For an aspiring technician in the HVAC industry, the first step to securing a job is acing your job interview. A job interview is your chance to make a positive first impression and demonstrate to a potential employer your professionalism and your suitability for the position. 

At NATS, you’ll receive pre-apprenticeship hands-on training in gas and propane heating systems, ventilation and air cooling equipment. The training you receive allows you to launch a successful career upon completion. But to make the most of that training, you’ll also need to know how to impress at a job interview. Read on to familiarize yourself with some of the top interview mistakes to avoid! 

Arriving Late to Your HVAC Technician Job Interview

If you arrive late for your interview, it could set a bad first impression that can lower your chances of getting hired. Showing up late could signify to an employer that time management may be an issue. If you have that listed as a skill on your resume, it could hurt your credibility. If you arrive late, your interviewer could assume that you don’t value the HVAC Technician job position or the interviewer’s time. To avoid giving off this impression, make sure that you arrive on time or even better, ten minutes early. In doing so, you can avoid running into unforeseen circumstances that may delay your arrival. At the same time, you will demonstrate your reliability as a worker with excellent time management skills. 

Dressing Inappropriately 

No matter what position you’re applying for after you complete your HVAC technician courses, you always have to dress appropriately for your interview. If you go to an interview wearing an outfit that is too casual, you’re reducing your chances of making a great first impression. When in doubt, go for a smart-casual look.

Your interviewer might also want you to demonstrate your technical skills in HVAC by getting your hands dirty. In that case, make sure you have an additional outfit with you for the technical part of that interview.

Not Preparing for the Interview

Before you attend an interview, it’s always a good idea to prepare for it ahead of time. While preparing, think of the questions your interviewer might ask you about your work experience, education, hands-on training and the skill set that you will bring to the HVAC position. 

Your interviewer will likely assess your communications skills, decision-making process, and problem-solving abilities. With another preparation, you’ll be ready to grab the interviewer’s attention as you provide examples that demonstrate your experience and skills in the field.

Are you interested in HVAC school?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory

Spring weather is right around the corner, and with it comes certain types of weather known for causing certain types of damage. As an aspiring home inspector, you’ll help home buyers make informed decisions about their new homes. Your keen eye, in-depth training, and investigative skills will help you spot all kinds of potential issues, including damage that can spring up when the winter thaws. Spring weather brings with it storms, lightning, and hail. Temperatures might be milder, but the damage spring weather can bring may wreak havoc on a house. 

Read on to discover what damages to look for during the spring!

Spot Spring-Related Roof Damage After Your Home Inspector Training

When you go with your clients to inspect a new home, especially during the spring, it’s always important to thoroughly inspect the roof for potential issues. Spring weather can mean heavy storms, and the roof usually takes the full brunt of any damage caused by these weather events. If you notice any leaks or roof shingles missing during home inspections after you complete your home inspector training, then that’s an unfortunate indicator that spring storms have caused some damage. You’ll also have to inspect the home’s attic to check for any signs of dark water stains forming, as well as for any sunlight coming in through the roof.

Make Sure to Inspect a Home’s Siding 

When you become a home inspector, you’ll get to carefully inspect the exterior of many different homes. A home’s siding is there to prevent the exterior walls from the elements making their way to the interior side of the house. The siding keeps your client’s home insulated during the winter and summer. It also protects your client’s home from moisture and mold buildup that can rot the foundation of the house and cause structural damage in the process. A siding inspection is therefore necessary, to ensure that no damage was sustained during the spring thaw. Storms and heavy rain can sometimes cause cracking, denting, or splits in the siding. As a result, you’ll want to see if there are missing, damaged, or loose pieces. 

Clogged Gutters Are an Important Issue to Catch

In the event of a heavy spring storm, a house’s gutters have an important role to play. They help make sure that water drains properly and doesn’t damage the rest of the house. Gutters are an essential part of maintaining and protecting the exterior of a home and preventing rainwater from making its way into the interior. As a result, you’ll want to check gutters to make sure that they aren’t damaged or clogged. If they are, it’ll be important for you to check for signs of water damage and other issues that might be affecting the property. 

When gutters are clogged, the property becomes susceptible to erosion, leaks, and other water-related damages during the spring season. If you notice any areas where the gutters are broken or sagging, causing water to build up, then advise your clients that immediate repairs need to be done.

Are you interested in a home inspector career?

Contact NATS for more information about our training programs!

Visit Our Blog Directory