Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 7241)

Electricians perform a variety of tasks on the electrical systems of buildings and other structures. Their responsibilities range from layout and planning of wiring to installation, troubleshooting and repair of circuits and electrical devices.

Electricians perform some or all of the following duties:

• interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications for wiring layouts
• pull wire through walls and floors
• install brackets and hangers to support electrical equipment
• install or repair various pieces of electrical equipment
• splice, join and connect wires to fixtures and components
• test the continuity of circuits to ensure that an electrical system is safe and compatible
• troubleshoot and repair faults in electrical systems
• connect electrical power to audio and visual communication equipment, signalling devices and heating and cooling systems
• run preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records

Electricians typically work 40 hours per week and may occasionally work overtime. Workers are usually indoors, though the work area can often be noisy and dirty.

Work may take place from heights or in confined spaces, and may require lifting of heavy objects. Safety is a big concern and precautions are followed to reduce the risks of injury from accidental electric shocks and falls from heights.

Education, training & qualifications

To work as an electrician in B.C., a person must have completed:

• secondary school
• a certificate of qualification from the Industry Training Authority or registration in a four-year apprenticeship leading to qualification

For more information, please see the Industry Training Authority website at www.itabc.ca.

The electrician apprenticeship requires a combination of work experience and in-school instruction that:

• typically takes four 10-week periods, with part-time and distance education available through some institutions
• is available through secondary schools, colleges and technical institutes or by direct entry to the workplace

Interprovincial Standards Red Seal certification is available to qualified electricians through the Industry Training Authority. 

As of July 1, 2017 when the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) came into force, you will not need significant additional training, experience, testing or assessment if your qualifications or certificates are recognized by a Canadian regulatory authority. This applies whether you were trained in Canada or internationally. Learn about labour mobility at www.workersmobility.ca. For information about labour mobility and foreign qualifications recognition, contact the B.C. regulator for your occupation.

Workers with 9,000 hours of documented, directly related work experience can challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Skills

• Detail-Oriented
• Numerical Ability
• Motor Coordination
• Manual Dexterity
• Spatial Perception

View skills definitions

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.

Trades training resources

Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.

Demand for these workers depends largely on growth in the Construction industry. Over the last decade, low interest rates and a growing economy resulted in an increase in construction activity in B.C., which led to increased demand for electricians.

Over the next few years, the pace of residential construction is expected to slow, while industrial construction is expected to remain stable. Demand for these workers will remain, despite the shift in construction activity.

In general, those working as maintenance electricians tend to find more stable employment than construction electricians. Employment in the Construction industry is typically project-based, so workers may experience gaps in employment between projects.

Work performed by electricians is expanding to include alternative energy supplies, such as solar power, wind power and fuel cells, wiring for smart homes and automated systems for high-tech industries and complex computer offices. Electricians who specialize in new technologies are expected to be in demand.