Electrician - Construction/Maintenance ELA

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Arts & Literacy Communicate effectively in English.

Math & Science Basic math skills are needed. It is recommended that applicants have taken Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (C) OR Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics(C).

Technology Basic computer skills required; Use of student portal system, students need to check email and posts every day.

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.

Do not have an employer?

Fanshawe College gives you two options. Those who wish to explore the electrician career may want to consider the Electrical Techniques program. Continuing Education offers the in-school course work portion of the industrial electrician apprenticeship. At the end of the course work, students can write an exemption test. See the Continuing Education’s Industrial Electrician website for more details.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Good problem-solving skills
• Able to  pay attention to detail and do precision work
• Good communication skills including reading skills
• An aptitude for math and a mechanical ability
• Physical strength and stamina
• The ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring
• The ability to work in high places
• The ability to keep up to date with changing technology
• The ability to get along well with co-workers

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Places you may find yourself employed include

Construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies and other large organizations (Electrician - Construction/Maintenance) or electrical contractors and maintenance departments of factories, plants, mines, shipyards and other industrial establishments (Industrial Electrician).

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Working conditions vary from one job to another; usually work a 40-hour, five day work week and overtime when required
• Work indoors may be in dirty, cramped spaces; work outdoors may sometimes be on scaffolds
• May be required to lift or move items that weigh up to 20 kilograms

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Electrician Construction/Maintenance

• Read and interpret electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts
• Cut, thread, bend, assemble and install conduits and other types of electrical conductor enclosures and fittings
• Position, maintain and install distribution and control equipment such as switches, relays, circuit breaker panels and fuse enclosures
• Install, replace, maintain and repair electrical systems and related electrical equipment
• Splice, join and connect wire to form circuits
• Test circuits to ensure integrity and safety
• Install and maintain fibre optic systems

Industrial Electrician

• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics and electrical code specifications to determine layout of industrial electrical equipment installations
• Install, examine, replace or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
• Test electrical and electronic equipment and components
• Maintain, repair, install and test switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors
• Maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, alternators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

• www.apprenticesearch.com
• The Apprenticeship Network
• Apprenticetrades.ca
• Ontario College of Trades
• Employer apprenticeship incentives

Links to learn more about this apprenticeship program

• Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO)
• Ontario Electrical League (OEL)
• Electrical Safety Authority
• Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career

Last Modified: January 11, 2024