Do you have good communication and reading skills? Do you have a knack for math and mechanical things? Are you good with your hands and in good shape? Then, you could become an Electrician!
What do I do?
As an Electrician, you work inside and out installing, altering, repairing and maintaining electrical systems that provide electrical power for all types of buildings and structures.
Electricians often specialize in construction or maintenance work, or residential, commercial, institutional (e.g. hospitals), or industrial plants and factories.
How do I advance?
The employment outlook for Electricians is expected to be above average in Alberta.
Electricians work for construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies and other large organizations. You can advance to positions such as foreman, superintendent, estimator or electrical inspector. Another option is to start your own contracting business.
Journeyman Electricians who want to obtain certification in the instrument mechanic trade, and have an employer's recommendation, may apply for credit toward the apprenticeship. Other related occupations include Appliance Service Technician, Communication Electrician, Electrical Rewind Mechanic, Electronic Technician, Elevator Constructor, Power Lineman, Power System Electrician, Electrical Maintenance Technician, Instrument Mechanic and, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
How much do I make?
As an apprentice Electrician you earn at least 50% of the journeyman wage rate in your first year of apprenticeship, 60% in the second, 70% in the third, and 80% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $20.49 to as high as $28.71 an hour, gross wage, (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage surveys by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Electricians usually work a 40-hour, five-day workweek plus overtime when required.
Where do I go from here?
Once youÕve acquired skills as an Electrician, youÕll be able to get work that pays well.
With additional training, you can transfer your skills to an occupation like Communication Electrician, Power Lineman or Power Systems Electrician.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Building Construction 1070 or Electrical Systems 2070. See your school counsellor for more information.
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act of Alberta specifies that Electricians must be either a certified journeyman or a registered apprentice.
While still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Electrician apprenticeship program, the applicant must have at least a passing mark in Math 20 or 23 and at least 10 credits in Science or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Courses in English, Math and Physics are particularly important. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four periods (years) of on-the-job training and classroom training. Each of the first three periods includes a minimum of 1500 hours of employment and eight weeks of classroom training. The fourth period includes a minimum of 1350 hours of employment and 12 weeks of classroom training. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently being offered at:
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton,
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary,
- Fairview College (Grande Prairie campus),
- Keyano College in Fort McMurray,
- Lakeland College in Vermilion,
- Lethbridge Community College, and
- Red Deer College.
When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact you local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Outside of the apprenticeship program in Alberta, the following institution offers Pre-Employment Electrician programs on an as-needed basis:
- Lakeland College offers a 12-week program. The entrance requirement is a Math 20 or 23, or a pass mark on an Apprenticeship exam.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
