Looking for a high voltage occupation that is challenging, secure and financially rewarding? A career as an electrician might be the right fit for you!
Electricians perform a variety of tasks on the electrical systems of buildings and other structures which may include preparing, assembling, installing, testing, troubleshooting and repairing wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment.
To work as an electrician you should:
Have good communication and reading skills
Be physically fit and good with your hands
Have a knack for math and working with mechanical things
Enjoy using tools, figuring out plans and solving problems
Program Overview
The 24-week Electrician Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) program provides students the skills, knowledge and training you need to enter the electrical trade and covers all the competencies for Level 1 (Common Core) of the four level Electrician Apprenticeship program. The program includes classroom theory and practical hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art electrical concepts lab and experiential learning space in our shop setting. Safe work habits are emphasized, reinforced and practiced throughout the program.
In this program, you will learn about:
applying circuit concepts
interpreting plans
drawings and specifications
using the Canadian Electrical Code
installing and maintaining single-phase metering equipment
protective devices
low voltage distribution systems
grounding and bonding systems,
cables and enclosures,
branch circuitry systems
communication systems
For a complete program description, including prerequisite details and technical training content about each level of training see: Electrician Foundation Program Outline
You will also take:
Occupational First Aid Level 1
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems
*Students must complete Occupational First Aid Level 1 within the program or have a current Occupational First Aid Level 1 certificate valid to the end of the program.
When you successfully finish the program you will receive:
Level 1 Technical Training credit from SkilledTradesBC of the 4 Level Construction/Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship program
350 work-based Training hours
Certificate of Completion Electrician Foundation (SkilledTradesBC)
College of the Rockies Certificate
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites:
Secondary school graduation or equivalent, or completion of a College of the Rockies assessment to an acceptable level.
The following education is highly recommended for student success within the program:
Recent secondary school graduate (within the past 5 years)
Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10. Either Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent; or for those who completed math in BC before 2018 curriculum change, either Principles of Math 11, Principles of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 11, Pre-Calculus 12, or equivalent
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
Should be physically fit (mobility and lifting)
Should have good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and balance
Must be able to work at heights and in adverse weather
Must be prepared for the following risks: dust, fumes, noise and vibration
If you are a high school student, contact the counseling office at your high school for information on how to become a Youth Train in Trades student and get a jump-start on your trades training while you complete your high school diploma. Learn more about the Youth Train in Trades program.
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
Tuition:
$2,693.76
Application Fee:
$30.00
Student Association Fee:
$55.20
Bus Pass Fee:
$66.60
Occupational First Aid Level 1 Fee:
$149.00
Toolbox Fee:
$250.00
Health and Dental Fee:
$240.00
Total
$3,484.56
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Student Costs for Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies:
Experienced electricians can become supervisors or managers – or you can even start your own electrician business! The electrical industry is always changing with new technologies, so if you’re looking for a career that is flexible and challenging, being an electrician is a life-long rewarding career.