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Central Vancouver Island: Think Trades & Technology

Electricians

What’s It Like?

According to the Industry Training Authority, Electricians work in a wide variety of buildings and facilities - on everything from lighting and climate control systems, to communication equipment and thousands of other specific tools and devices.

An Electrician's work involves assembling, installing, commissioning, testing, maintaining, servicing and operating electrical systems and equipment.

Electricians also need a good understanding of the many applications of electricity, and must ensure that building codes and other safety requirements are followed.

Electricians may work in:

• Construction - electricians work either as employees who are part of a contractor's team, on both residential and commercial construction projects or as independent electrical contractors on such projects
• Industrial - electricians are typically employed on staff at large-scale industrial facilities such as pulp mills, hydroelectric dams, and mining and smelting operations
• Institutional - most large institutions such as hospitals, school boards, universities and other public facilities have at least one electrician working as part of their maintenance department

Money & Benefits

Wages

As of May 01, 2007

Local Union No. 230, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Designation		Percentage	Hourly Rate
Pre-Apprentice		45%	$12.98
Apprentice	1st Term	55%	$15.87
	2nd term	60%	$17.31
	3rd Term	65%	$18.75
	4th Term	70%	$20.20
	5th Term	75%	$21.64
	6th Term	80%	$23.08
	7th Term	85%	$24.52
	8th Term	90%	$25.97
Journeyperson		100%	$28.85

Benefits

Union members benefit through health and welfare plans and pension plans. The goal of the health and welfare plans is to ensure that members have access to extended health care, medications, optical services, dental services and life insurance protection when they need it. The pension plans ensure that member and employer contributions to retirement plans are administered in a responsible manner so that members will be able to enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Non-Union Wages

With the current booming state of the construction industry and associated skill shortages, local labour market research suggests it is an employee’s market. For this reason, it is not uncommon for non-union companies to match union rates and benefits in order to attract and retain employees.

Why We're Betting On This

• Projected skills shortages as baby boomers retire
• There is a shortage of properly certified workers to fill the gaps
• Due to the construction boom, skilled tradespeople are in particular demand
• 55,000 construction positions being created over the next three years in BC and up to 7,000 of these positions are on Vancouver Island
• Local labour market research supports the current demand for trained electricians in central Vancouver Island
• Mazzei Electric projects hiring at least 10 employees over the next year
• Canem Systems has work booked for the next four years and is having to turn work down

Interested? Where To Start

To work as an electrician in B.C. you must be certified as a journeyperson or be registered as an apprentice. As a qualified electrician you can work as a self-employed contractor or you can be hired by an employer.

Through apprenticeship you can become a certified journeyperson. Once you have your "ticket", work can be found by contacting employers or through a union hall.

The electrician apprenticeship requires a total of 6,000 hours on the job and 1,200 hours in "school" over four years. The classroom training takes place in four ten-week periods.

Educational Requirements – Apprenticeship

1. Direct Entry to the job

Through Direct Entry you find a job with an employer who is willing to participate in the apprenticeship program. Both you and the employer must register in the program. See the Industry Training Authority website to find out more and download registration forms at www.itabc.ca

2. Entry-level Trades Training

You can take Entry-level Technical Trades (ELTT) at a college or institute in B.C., which will let you learn about the electrical trade and practice hands-on techniques before beginning work. A grade 12 education is preferred but a grade 12 level in English or Communications (or English language proficiency) and grade 11 academic math and physics may be all that are required. Completion of ELTT may give you credit towards your apprenticeship.

Educational Institution

Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo

The Electrical ELTT program starts at Malaspina in September 2007. For complete information on this program, including start dates, admission requirements and cost, go to the program description on Malaspina University-College’s website at www.mala.ca/calendar/TradesAppliedTech/electrician.asp

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