Electricians (except industrial and power system)

Many employers prefer candidates who are certified. Those with a secondary school diploma or who have graduated from a post-secondary foundational program should have English 12 or equivalent. Having Physics 11 and Pre-Calculus Math is also an asset.

Certification is not required to work as an electrician in B.C. Those who wish to be certified must complete a four-year apprenticeship program. The B.C. government is introducing skilled trades certification beginning with a total of 10 trades, including construction electricians. Certification will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024. Learn more about skilled trades certification.

Depending on the project, workers may need to have an electrical installation permit with Technical Safety BC.

Apprenticeship programs

Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit SkilledTradesBC.

To work in other provinces

Electricians may need Red Seal certification to work in other provinces. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience.

Workers coming to B.C.

Electricians who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Electricians who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Growth in the construction industry affects opportunities for work as an electrician. Residential construction is expected to slow down in the short term, while industrial and commercial construction is expected to remain stable. There will continue to be demand for electricians.

In general, those working as maintenance electricians tend to find steadier employment than construction electricians. Often, employment in the construction industry is project-based, so workers may have breaks between projects.

Electricians are starting to work with alternative energy supplies, such as solar power, wind power and fuel cells. They may also work with wiring for smart homes and automated systems for high-tech industries. Electricians who specialize in new technologies are expected to be in demand.