Trades Talk

Behind the scenes, trade associations are consistently working with the various levels of the Canadian government to ensure that the interests of the mechanical trades are met. Ken Lancastle, chief operating officer with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), and Ralph Suppa, president and general manager with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), join us to discuss the latest advocacy work that has been done on the behalf of their members. 

For the latter half of the episode, our technical expert, Sean Giberson, residential regional sales manager with Taco Comfort Solutions, explores the technology that goes into ECM circulators. Check it out as he teaches us about constant pressure mode in relation to circulators. 

What are you waiting for? Have you listened yet!  

For over a year now, we've heard these rumblings about this "new normal." But what exactly does this mean to HVAC/R contractors? Although it'd be easiest to say that ALL contractors have gone through the same experiences in this pandemic, life as a contractor just isn't that simple.

We spoke with two commercial contractors as part of this Contractors' Roundtable — Tim Padfield of Pad-Car Mechanical and Scott Munro of Opus Mechanical. The former from Alberta;  whilst the latter from Ontario. Talk a listen as both talk about their experiences through the pandemic and their best practice suggestions to their fellow contractors. As Scott eloquently puts it — "culture cannot be created remotely."

In the second half of the episode, our hosts chat with Paul Tomlin of AO Smith about thermal expansion. As the temperature of a hot water heater rises, this is when thermal expansion occurs. Listen to Paul discuss ways to combat this issue, including the well-known expansion tank. Did you know that they need to be charged? Our expert will tell you how.

Go check it out, already!

"We need to talk." When you hear this from a spouse or friend, you might think the worst has come. You think back to everything that you've done wrong in the past, and might even make up things that you haven't done but just aren't so sure. 

Well, today we are saying this with the best of intentions. But, we do still need to talk.

We need to attract more people to the trades. It's as simple and complicated as that. With the current ageing workforce, we are on the precipice of not having enough tradespeople. One solution is to take a look at the younger generation. We need to have the next crop of students think about the trades as a viable career. It provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for those looking to enter the workforce.

Take a listen to some industry leaders and their best approach to how we can attract more people to the trades. Enjoy! 

Welcome to the official launching of the Plumbing & HVAC podcast series, Trades Talk. 

For over 25 years, Plumbing & HVAC magazine has been reporting about the mechanical trades industry in Canada. Starting out as a print magazine, we expanded our reach to the digital market and now are looking to reach a new demographic of contractors and installers. 

Each episode we will focus on a different topic related to the skilled trades, whether that may be plumbing, heating, refrigeration, geothermal, you name it - we plan to cover it. 

Our inaugural episode will focus on "Attracting the Next Generation to a Career in the Trades." Expect an episode packed with industry leaders from all aspects of the trades. 

In addition, get excited about our "Tech Talk" segment, which will explore one type of technology with a guest expert on the topic from General Pipe Cleaners. 

The first episode will be airing sometime in later December 2020. In the new year, we will start to broadcast two episodes per month. So get excited. 

For more information, check out our website. Follow us on our social media for timely updates. 

Stay tuned for more.