Becoming a licensed electrician in Canada is done through the province or territory you are working in. Most positions require the successful completion of a regulated electrician apprenticeship program. This article will discuss the different electrician positions, electrical licenses, and licensing bodies in Canada, as well as Canadian electrician salaries.
Do You Need an Electrical License in Canada?
Electrician jobs in Canada are monitored by the appropriate office within that province. With a long list of different electrician jobs, requirements vary greatly.
Generally speaking, the majority of electrical positions require individuals to have completed an electrical apprenticeship and high school. Further certification or licensure requires an application, passing an exam, and paying certain fees.
Canadian Red Seal Electricians
All Red Seal trades require the completion of a qualified apprenticeship. Red Seal trades require further certification which will then allow you to work anywhere in Canada. Electrical Red Seal positions include:
- Electrical motor system technicians
- Industrial electricians
- Construction electricians
Canadian Electrical Apprenticeships
Almost all other electrician positions in Canada require the individual to either be enrolled in or completed with an electrical apprenticeship program.
To complete this program, you’ll need to:
- Specify your trade
- Find an apprenticeship program or employer to give you the appropriate training
- Register your agreement
- Pay for your program
- Some financial aid may be available
- Become certified
Most apprenticeships pay you for your work while training, but the educational component does cost tuition. The cost can vary greatly depending on the length of the program, specialization, and location.
If you plan to move between territories and do not plan on doing a Red Seal Trade, check the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to see how your certification may or may not transfer to other locations.
Types of Electrician Positions in Canada
Apart from being a basic electrician apprentice, there are many ways to specialize as an electrician in Canada. Below is a list of different positions, all licensed by the appropriate group in each province. Do note that not all positions are offered across all provinces.
- General electrician
- Construction electrician
- Residential electrician
- Electrician – domestic and rural
- Full entertainment field safety representative
- Limited entertainment field safety representative
- Low energy systems field safety representative
- Underground raceway installer
- Security systems installation specialist
- Deep well pump installer/repairer
- Communication electrician
- Power system electrician
- Community antenna television technician
Canada’s Electrical Licensing Bodies by Province
To begin the process of applying for your electrical license, you must verify the requirements for the province in which you’re working.
Alberta
Electricians in Alberta are regulated by the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office, Government of Alberta.
Alberta offers:
- Alberta Certificates of Completion of Apprenticeship
- Alberta Certificates of Proficiency
- Alberta Journeyman Certificates
- Alberta Qualification Certificates
British Columbia
BC electricians are primarily monitored by the British Columbia Safety Authority (BSCA) or the Industry Training Authority British Columbia (ITA).
The BCSA offers:
- Electrical Licenses
- Electrical Field Safety Representative Certifications
The ITA offers:
- Electrical Endorsement: Marine
- Construction Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
Manitoba
Electricians in Manitoba are monitored by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner.
They offer licensing or certifications for:
- Construction Electricians
- Industrial Electricians
- Electric Motor System Technicians
- Power Electricians
New Brunswick
Electricians in New Brunswick are regulated by the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick.
In New Brunswick you can apply for a(n):
- Electrical license
- Industrial Electrician License
- Electrical Contractor License
- Sign Installer Constructor License
- Sign Installer License
- Sign Installer Helper License
- Lighting Protection System Agent License
- Lighting Protection System Supplier License
Newfoundland and Labrador
Electricians in these areas are regulated by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can become a(n):
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency regulates electricians in this area.
These includes:
- Electrical distribution technicians
- Electrical technicians (formerly marine electricians)
- Construction electricians
- Industrial electricians
Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario regulates electricians in this area.
These include:
- Electric motor system technicians
- Electrician – construction and maintenance
- Electrician – domestic and rural
- Electrician – signal maintenance
- Electronic service technicians
Prince Edward Island
Electrical contractors and registered electrical technicians on Prince Edward Island are regulated by the Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trade Certification.
Quebec
Quebec monitors its electricians through the Commission de la Construction du Québec. This includes the regulations for electricians and electricians for security systems installation.
Saskatchewan
Electricians in Saskatchewan are monitored by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. This includes electrical jobs for:
- Construction electricians
- Electronics assemblers
Electrician Salaries in Canada
As we’ve seen with the positions, electrician salaries can also vary depending on the type of electrical work and where the work is done. Below are the average salaries by province for electricians in Canada.
- Alberta: $41,589
- British Columbia: $58,497
- Manitoba $44,321
- New Brunswick: $65,756
- Newfoundland: $67,803
- Nova Scotia: $64,981
- Ontario: $45,858
- Prince Edward Island: $67,754
- Quebec: $40,858
- Saskatchewan: $39,773
- Yukon: $37,440