Trade Programs: Power Electrician

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

What does a Power Electrician do?

A Power Electrician is certified to install, maintain and repair electrical and line apparatus, power generators, power converters and power transformers in generating and converter stations and substations. They are also responsible for ensuring that circuit breakers, disconnects, distribution apparatus, metering and associated auxiliary equipment are in safe and reliable operating condition.

An apprentice training to become a certified Power Electrician learns to:

• maintain and upgrade utility-owned equipment
• construct and maintain equipment in electrical generating and converter stations
• install and maintain all types of metering and recording equipment used in an electrical distribution system
• maintain single and three-phase systems and transformers
• install and maintain circuit protection and switching equipment
• use specialized test instruments and equipment according to manufacturer's instructions
• isolate and repair defective equipment to restore power during a power outage
• use electrical schematics and various electronic testing and measuring equipment to troubleshoot and isolate faults and problems

One very important requirement of this trade, in addition to the technical knowledge, is the need to observe and practice safety at all times because of the hazards and dangers associated with electricity. Power electricians work both inside and outside buildings and structures such as thermal and hydraulic generating stations, substations and other utility-owned buildings. Maintenance work takes place on the ground and at various heights requiring bucket-truck or ladder work.

What skills/abilities are required?

Good physical condition is important because heavy lifting and climbing are required. The job requires a strong background in mathematics and science. Power electricians must have good communication and analytical skills and apply this knowledge to a wide range of applications. These individuals must also work as part of a team, find innovative solutions to problems and be receptive to rapid changes in technology.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

To be an apprentice, you must be employed with Manitoba Hydro. The apprenticeship is four years of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 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. While apprenticing, job requirements may take employees away from home to various urban, rural and northern locations.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Throughout each level of training, you attend school for blocks of time. Instruction includes presentations on the Canadian Electrical Code as well as safe work practices and procedures. Some of the other course topics include Electronics, Electrical Instruments and Measurements, Circuit Protection and Switching Equipment, and AC and DC Machines and Controls. Theory grades are determined by examination in each course. Completed practical assignments are included in the evaluation of final grades.

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?

Note: Manitoba Hydro chooses apprentices based on academic achievements, mechanical and aptitude tests, interviews and skills assessment sessions. A background in mathematics and science is essential.

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. 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 a provincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for provincial Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Power Electrician Regulation states that when an apprentice is not taking technical training, the apprentice is entitled to the provincial minimum wage plus:

• 30 percent during level one
• 50 percent during level two
• 70 percent during level three
• 90 percent during level four

If Manitoba Hydro's collective agreement wages are better than the wages outlined in the Regulation, then an apprentice receives the rate of pay designated by the collective agreement.

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?

Experienced journeypersons may advance to senior journeyperson, foremen, and supervisory or managerial positions. They can also transfer their skills to related occupations in areas such as design, planning, human resources, technical support services and system control. Power electricians should be prepared to continually upgrade both skills and knowledge because of these ongoing changes in technology.