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Electrician

Installs, alters, repairs and maintains electrical systems to supply heat, cooling, light, power, controls and signals or fire alarms.

Who Am I?

Do you have good communication and reading skills? Do you have a knack for math and mechanical things? Are you interested in electricity and electrically powered equipment? Are you good with your hands and in good shape? Would you be able to read and interpret building plans, electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings and electrical code specifications to determine wiring installations? Then, you could become a Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician or Power Electrician.

One very important requirement of this trade, in addition to the technical knowledge, is the need to observe and practice safety at all times because of the hazards and dangers associated with electricity.

What does a Construction Electrician Do?

A construction electrician is trained to plan, assemble, install, repair, test and maintain electrical fixtures and systems that provide heat, cooling, light, power or control in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Many electricians like to specialize in specific types of installations such as new home construction or doing electrical work in commercial, institutional or industrial buildings. Construction electricians are also trained to work on high voltage systems, transformers and cables.

What does an Industrial Electrician Do? (industrial plants)

An industrial electrician installs, tests, inspects and services all types of industrial electrical equipment that are required for the operation of commercial and industrial businesses. This might include any kind of equipment that needs electric power such as motors, generators, pumps, lighting systems and associated electrical and electronic controls.

What does a Power Electrician Do? (utilities)

As a Power Electrician, you work inside and outdoors, installing, maintaining and repairing electrical and line apparatus, power generators, power converters and power transformers in generating and converter stations and substations.

How do I start?

Jump start your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician or Power Electrician apprenticeship program, you must be at least 16, be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing. Mathematics and Science, particularly Physics are basic pre-requisites for working in this trade.

Length of Program

4 levels including in-class sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson.

The apprenticeship for all three types of electricians consists of four levels of both on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1800 hours per level.) If you have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience you may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a provincial Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. You also qualify for a provincial Journeyman Electrician "H" Licence issued by the Mechanical and Engineering Branch of Manitoba Labour and Immigration. This licence must be renewed every four years.

A construction and industrial certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means that your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada. However, if you plan to work in another province, you must apply for that province's Electrical Licence.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $31.95 (Base rate, effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits).

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also offer other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

The standard workweek is 40 hours. Overtime is possible.

What are the job prospects?

Electricians often specialize in construction or maintenance work, in residential or commercial construction or in industrial plants and factories. Construction Electricians employed by construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies and other large organizations may experience layoffs between projects and when the industry is in a slump.

Industrial electricians can work for electrical contractors. Many are employed in maintenance departments of institutions like hospitals, factories, plants, manufacturing companies and business corporations.

In Manitoba, Power Electricians work for utility companies.

How do I advance?

With experience, construction electricians may advance to positions such as foreman, superintendent, estimator or electrical inspector.

With additional training a construction electrician may become certified as an industrial electrician and vice versa. They may also transfer their skills to related trades such as Power Electrician, Electric Motor Winder, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Industrial Instrument Mechanic or Millwright.

Industrial electricians may take on managerial or inspection positions.

Experienced Power Electricians may advance to foreman, supervisor or management positions in untilities. They can also transfer their skills to related occupations in areas such as design, planning, human resources, technical support services and system control.