what is an electrician?
An electrician is a skilled craftsman who works on electrical wiring for buildings and other structures. For safety reasons, preventing electrical wiring and components risks is essential. A poor wiring system is hazardous and eventually leads to injuries or fire. This position requires you to know safety measures, have solid maths and mechanical skills, and understand electrical tools and materials.
An electrician usually trains for at least four years in an apprenticeship, which is the first level. The higher levels are journeyman and master electrician. An apprentice electrician works under the supervision of an experienced electrician and has an apprenticeship licence to work on electrical components.
A journeyman has completed their apprenticeship, and the local government recognizes the individual as a competent electrical professional who can work unsupervised. The most advanced electricians become master electricians. They have several years of experience in the trade and perform supervisory roles.
Apprentices complete hundreds of hours of training to reach higher levels. The extensive training is due to the safety risks associated with electrical work. Since the electrician's and others' safety is at stake, the training is rigorous. You usually work as an apprentice for three to six years under the general supervision of a master electrician and the direct supervision of a journeyman electrician.
You have steady work as an electrician to install, maintain and repair electrical wiring for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. In addition, some electricians continue to study and work on sub-specialty electrical systems, such as ships, aeroplanes and other mobile structures.
Data and computing are growing technologies, and electricians also find work on data and cable lines. There are frequent job openings due to the growth in construction and vacancies resulting from retirement.
Would working as an electrician suit your diagnostic skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an electrician role.
electrician rolesaverage electrician salary
According to Job Bank, electricians earn an average salary of $64,281 per year. In an entry-level position, you earn $55,575 annually. With experience, you earn over $77,075 yearly. The earnings depend on experience, educational qualifications and additional certifications.
To increase your salary, consider earning a trade certification to qualify for high-paying roles. You can work on construction projects and other high-paying industries with a trade certification.
Would you like to know what an electrician earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an electrician? Then download our Randstad salary guide and find out all about the salary of an electrician in Canada.
types of electricians
An electrician goes through an apprenticeship, followed by journeyman and master electrician roles. You'll choose one of these five specialisms in the field:
- installation electrician: as an installation electrician, you install and lay down wiring fixtures and equipment. You install wires to commercial buildings and residences and connect them to transformers and breakers. You also make sure the connections are safe.
- lineman: a lineman works on power lines, both overhead and underground. Your job is to repair and install electrical lines. You also check meters to ensure they work properly.
- automotive or auto electrician: your job involves wiring ignition systems, heating and air conditioning systems and anti-lock brakes to ensure they work properly.
- industrial electrician: you ensure electrical components in a manufacturing company function properly. You perform installation and maintenance duties.
- maintenance electrician: you focus on keeping electrical systems up to standard in commercial, residential and industrial settings. You test voltages and repair faulty wiring.
working as an electrician
As an electrician, you can work in the construction or manufacturing industries. If you are interested in the career, here are the specific duties and responsibilities of electricians.
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what does an electrician do?
Some of the daily tasks of electricians include:
- installing wiring, lighting systems and control: almost every building has electrical wiring installed during construction that requires regular maintenance. As an electrician, you install the wiring systems for controlling lighting, communication and power supply.
- maintaining wiring and electrical systems: as an electrician, you maintain the wiring systems in existing buildings. That means you identify problems in the wiring and repair or replace faulty wires.
- reading blueprints and technical diagrams: your job involves reading blueprints and technical diagrams to identify the location of circuits and outlets. Understanding technical drawings is important when repairing industrial machines or maintaining wiring systems in buildings.
- planning and preparing work orders or instructions: when you work in a team, you need a work order to ensure you cover all aspects of the project. You prepare work orders from blueprints and technical drawings during the installation or maintenance process.
- conducting safety procedures: electrical work is dangerous and can cause severe accidents. Before you commence work, you ensure safety measures are in place. For instance, you test equipment for working at height and ensure workers have the appropriate personal protective equipment for the job.
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work environment of an electrician
Your work environment depends on the job you are performing. Wiremen usually work through a contractor or in-house, depending on the company's size and the necessary work. Therefore, the specialism you choose determines the environment you work in. Depending on the specific task, your work setting is outside or indoors. You may climb ladders and carry heavy equipment to prospective locations on a construction site. Due to the risks involved in the job, you put on personal protective equipment like rubber-insulating sleeves and gloves, hard hats and safety shoes.
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who are your colleagues?
Electricians work in various industries and serve residential or commercial clients. You work alongside electrical technicians, architects and electrical engineers. You also collaborate with HVAC technicians, architectural technologists and maintenance technicians. Other specialists you interact with include factory managers, labourers and production managers.
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electrician work schedule
An electrician generally works between 30 and 40 hours a week. However, you can work overtime in certain circumstances, like if a project's completion deadline is drawing near. Part-time opportunities are also available, and you can work on a project basis.
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career opportunities as an electrician
An electrician's primary job outlook is to gain experience and master their trade. When you start as an apprentice, you build your skills and become a journeyman and master electrician. When you have a top-level experience, you can move into consultancy roles. Alternatively, specialize in specific roles like automotive electrician, maintenance, and lineman. Some electricians improve their expertise in green energy installation, like solar panels and wind turbines.
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advantages of finding a job as an electrician through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
electrician skills and education
The educational requirements for working as an electrician differ by territory or province. Some of the requirements include:
- apprenticeship: the minimum age for joining an apprenticeship program in Canada is 16 years, having completed tenth grade. The apprenticeship program takes four to five years, and the requirements differ by province. For instance, in Alberta, you should register with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and find a suitable employer to offer the training. You also require a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Education Development (GED) tests or pass an entrance exam. The apprenticeship period should have a minimum of 1,560 hours of work experience and eight weeks a year of college work in the first three years. Complete 1,440 hours of on-the-job training and 12 weeks of classroom work in your fourth year. When you complete the apprenticeship program in Alberta, take an interprovincial exam to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most provinces and territories in Canada).
- trade certification: if you want to work in the construction industry, you require a trade certification. Trade certification is not compulsory in some provinces like Yukon, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories. However, you cannot work without the certification in Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
competencies and characteristics of electricians
You need the following qualities to succeed in an electrician role:
- technical electrician skills: as an electrician, you need technical skills to complete your work. Apart from safety knowledge, electricians should have standard skills in installing cables, using power tools and repairing equipment.
- teamwork skills: as an electrician, you need teamwork skills like communication and patience. People skills help you collaborate with others during a project. You can provide clear instructions and listen to constructive feedback from other team members.
- problem-solving skills: as an electrician, you face multiple challenges that should be resolved promptly. You need problem-solving skills to rectify the problems and avoid further issues. Having problem-solving skills helps you assess different circumstances critically and weigh the diverse solutions for the problem.
- physical skills: as an electrician, you need physical skills to lift heavy weights, climb ladders and scaffolding or stand for an extended period. Physical fitness reduces the chances of injury. Good vision is also crucial due to the colour-coded nature of electrical wiring.
- communication skills: as an electrician, you require communication skills to relay information clearly, effectively and efficiently. Electrical contractors and technicians also interact with clients and possess strong communication skills come in handy.
FAQs about electrician jobs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an electrician.
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what are the duties of an electrician?
As an electrician, you prepare and assemble electrical wiring. You also install and test the functionality of the electrical systems to avoid problems. Aside from electrical wiring, you also maintain and repair control devices and related electrical equipment in buildings.
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how much does an electrician get paid in Canada?
As an electrician, you earn $64,281 per year, which translates to $32.96 per hour. Your earnings depend on your experience and qualification. When you are new in the role, you receive $55,575 annually. With experience, electricians make up to $77,075 yearly. When you work in a large company, you are likely to earn more than electricians working for small companies.
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are electricians in demand?
Electricians are in high demand in Canada due to the shortage of professionals in the occupation. For instance, in the third quarter of 2022, there were 5,275 vacancies for electricians except for power systems and industrial electricians in Canada. Electricians are in high demand due to new housing and building constructions. Renovations and retrofits also create new opportunities for electricians.
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do you need a degree to become an electrician?
A degree course is not mandatory for electricians in Canada. However, you should complete secondary school and a four to five-year apprenticeship. Some provinces and territories in Canada require trade certification before you work as a professional electrician in the construction industry.
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what skills do you require to be an electrician?
To work as an electrician, you require technical skills and expertise to perform your duties. For instance, you require knowledge of installing, maintaining and repairing electrical components. You spend a considerable amount of time resolving electrical problems for clients. Diagnostic and problem-solving skills are useful in the role. You also require manual and hand-to-eye dexterity.
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how do I find a job as an electrician?
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