Electric Motor System Technician

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does an Electric Motor System Technician do?

An Electric Motor System Technician is a skilled worker who tests, rebuilds and repairs electric motors, generators, transformers, controllers and other related electric equipment used in commercial, industrial and institutional establishments. An electric motor winder will test and disassemble the equipment, repair or replace defective and worn components and reassemble and test the equipment to ensure it meets specifications. An Electric Motor System Technician must perform tasks competently and safely in a shop environment. Some of the duties include:

• Diagnosing problems
• Stripping of equipment
• Repairing, rebuilding and testing electrical equipment including motors, generators, transformers and control equipment
• Rewinding motors of varying sizes
• Using appropriate testing equipment
• Using hand and power tools
• Insulating operations
• Taking data

What skills/abilities are required?

An electric motor system technician requires an interest in electronics and electronic motors, and should also possess good manual dexterity skills and mathematical ability.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Training and in-school instruction is a minimum 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through a combination of on-line and in-school training delivered by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, AB. To cover costs of attending technical training out-of-province, funding benefits such as employment insurance, mileage, expenses and living allowances are available.

What is taught during in-school/ technical training?

During your apprenticeship, you will be required to attend periods of in-school training. Subject areas of instruction include:

• Trade Mathematics
• Soldering and brazing
• Electrical instruments
• Belts, pulleys and couplings
• Introduction to electricity and transformers
• Generators, motors and phase converters
• Electrical codes
• Magnetic switches and control circuits
• Radial and schematic diagrams
• Multi-rated and explosion proof motors
• Controllers and starters
• Alternators and synchronous motors
• Electric welding

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including recommended courses in Math and Science. Specific academic requirements change in response to rapid technological advances within trades. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trade Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson Electric Motor System Technician is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Many electric motor system technicians work for utilities; building equipment contractors; machinery and equipment repair shops; wholesalers; government; retailers of automotive parts and accessories; rail transportation companies; and manufacturers of electrical, electronic, and transportation equipment.

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