Trade Programs: Industrial Electrician

This trade is compulsory. To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must be a registered apprentice or have a Certificate of Qualification and hold a Journeyperson Electrician Licence (licensed under "The Electricians' Licence Act").

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

What does an Industrial Electrician do?

An industrial electrician plans, installs, tests, inspects, troubleshoots and services all types of industrial electrical equipment that are vital to the operation of commercial and industrial businesses. These include all equipment or components directly or indirectly exposed to electric power such as motors, generators, pumps, lighting systems and associated electrical and electronic controls.

While the type of work varies depending on the size of the company and the company's products or services, an industrial electrician is trained to:

• read and interpret blueprints, drawings and code specifications for layout and installation of electrical equipment
• install, repair and replace electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
• test electrical and electronic equipment for continuity, current voltage and resistance
• install, maintain, repair and test switchgears, transformers, switchboard members and regulators
• install, maintain, repair and test electrical motors, generators, industrial storage batteries, low voltage distribution systems and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems
• troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial electrical and electronic control systems and devices as well as micro processor-based systems
• install and maintain communication data systems, emergency stand-by systems, heating, ventilation and climate control systems
• calibrate instrumentation devices
• conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records

What skills/abilities are required?

If you can do precision work and have an interest in electricity and electrically powered equipment, you would enjoy a career as an industrial electrician. You must adhere to industry standards for installation, repairs and safety. Because of the increased use of computer-based equipment, you should also have experience using computers.

To be successful in the trade, electricians need to:

• determine how equipment operates by looking at a diagram or blueprint
• enjoy solving problems and determining the best repair solutions
• work proficiently in a variety of tasks
• keep up to date with new developments in electrical technology
• be familiar with and be able to operate a variety of hand and power tools
• have good planning and organizational abilities
• be able to stand for long periods of time, work at heights or in confined spaces

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 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 in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentices attend school during each level of their apprenticeship. Subjects include:

• Blueprint Reading and Drafting
• Industrial and Electrical Codes
• Electrical Practice and Safety
• Tools and Instruments
• Electrical Theory
• Alternating Current and Direct Current Theories
• Basic and Industrial Electronics
• Single-Phase Transformers, Three-Phase Motors and Controls
• Electrical/Electronic Metering Methods
• Rotating Machines and Controls
• Programmable Logic Controllers

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?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: 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 Physics. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades 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 in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Industrial Electrician Regulation states that while on the job, an employer must pay an apprentice a percentage of the prevailing wages of a journeyperson which can be no less than:

• 40 per cent during level one
• 50 per cent during level two
• 65 per cent during level three
• 80 per cent during level four

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate 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. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Industrial electricians are employed by electrical contractors and in maintenance departments of institutions like hospitals, factories, plants, manufacturing companies and business corporations. Industrial electricians usually work a 40-hour, 5-day week.

With experience, industrial electricians may advance to managerial or inspection positions. With additional training they may transfer their skills to related trades such as Construction Electrician, Power Electrician, Electric Motor System Technician, Industrial Instrument Mechanic or Industrial Mechanic (Millwright).