Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Trade Profile - Electrician

What does it take to be an electrician?

Over the next ten years, it is estimated that over 261,100 tradespeople will retire in Canada, while only 221,300 will enter the field, resulting in a significant loss of skilled workers. In addition, due to the aging population, the overall number of people who are considered to be in their working prime (age 25-54) is expected to decline. These factors will make it increasingly difficult to replenish the retiring workforce.

In response to the anticipated shortage of skilled apprentices, the construction industry has developed several initiatives, opportunities, and grants to encourage youth, women, the indigenous population, and other groups to consider a career in the skilled trades. Alongside various partners, CLAC has become increasingly involved in promoting the skilled trades as a rewarding career option, while simultaneously looking for new ways to support industry and workers alike.

Over the next year, we will share a variety of trades-related blogs here on Your Voice. We will highlight in-demand trades by providing you with a snap shot of their education requirements, average salary, and employment outlook.

This month’s highlighted trade is electrician.

One of the more commonly recognized trades, electricians install, alter, repair, and maintain electrical systems. Electricians are able to work in a variety of sectors, including but not limited to industrial, commercial, or residential construction; maintenance contractors; manufacturers; and resource companies. Electrical systems are required to provide heat, light, power, control, and signals on all types of buildings, structures, and premises. Due to the vast scope of work, electricians are able to specialize in a variety of different areas depending on what they are looking for out of their career.

Regardless of which sector you may work in, electricians must be professional, and technically and mechanically proficient. They require extensive knowledge of electrical components, safety codes, regulations, and must be able to meet the physical demands required to install or repair equipment, which may require crawling, climbing, or standing for extensive periods of time.

Generally considered one of the more competitive trades, a recent report done by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), has found that across the country there has been a 30 percent decline in new electrical apprenticeship registrations from 2014-2017. According to the Apprenticeship Demand LMI National 2019 Report, approximately 67,000 new journeypersons across the top ten Red Seal trades will be required to meet worksite demands and replace retirees over the next five years. Specifically for electricians in the construction sector, they estimate that the total certification demand in Canada will reach 13,279 workers from 2019-2023.

To become a certified journeyperson in Alberta, you must find an employer to register your apprenticeship with AIT and complete 1,500 hours of on the job training and eight weeks of technical training for each of the first three years of your four-year apprenticeship. In the fourth year, apprentices must work a minimum of 1,350 hours on the job and complete 12 weeks of technical training. The requirements differ slightly in different provinces.

Unlike many university graduates, skilled trades workers are often able to complete their education with little to no student debt. Due to the design of the apprenticeship system, students are able to earn while they learn! There are also various levels of support, loans, and grants that an apprentice can obtain while working in any Red Seal Trade to help them progress through the apprenticeship program.

Additionally, high school students in Alberta can become an apprentice electrician! Through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), students are able to gain credits towards their apprenticeship training and high school diploma at the same time, all while making a paycheque. Students who are interested in joining RAP should speak to their school’s off-campus coordinator to get started.

CLAC represents various contractors who employ electricians and journeyperson wages can range on average from $30 to $50 per hour (in Alberta), plus additional benefits.

A career as an electrician comes with almost unlimited career possibilities as they have the opportunity to advance to various supervisory positions throughout their careers such as foreperson, superintendent, estimator, electrical inspector, or technical instructor. Further, Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become master electricians following three years of certification. Journeypersons may also apply to the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) for certified technician designation or enroll in a trades-to-degree program.

Interested in the skilled trades? Contact your CLAC Training Team for support in navigating the apprenticeship pathway, assistance in enrolling in technical training, and information regarding student funding.

Trade Profile - Electrician

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