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Apprenticeship

Electrician

Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems that are designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signals or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises.

Also Known As

Construction Tradesperson

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
  • 7242: Industrial Electricians

2006 NOC-S

  • H211: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
  • H212: Industrial Electricians

2011 NOC

  • 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 7242: Industrial electricians

2016 NOC

  • 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 7242: Industrial electricians

2021 NOC

  • 72200: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 72201: Industrial electricians

2023 OaSIS

  • 72200.00: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 72201.00: Industrial electricians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, electricians read and interpret electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings, specifications and codes to determine wiring layouts. To follow through, they:

  • Cut, thread, bend, assemble and install conduits and other types of electrical conductor enclosures and fittings
  • Pull wire through conduits and holes in walls and floors
  • Position, maintain and install distribution and control equipment such as switches, relays, circuit breaker panels and fuse enclosures
  • Install, replace, maintain and repair electrical systems and related electrical equipment
  • Install data cabling
  • Splice, join and connect wire to form circuits
  • Test circuits to ensure integrity and safety
  • Install and maintain fibre optic systems
  • Install, replace, maintain and repair renewable power sources, such as wind and solar, and related equipment

Electricians specialize in construction, maintenance and other types of electrical work, or in specific types of installations:

  • Residential (housing developments)
  • Commercial (office buildings)
  • Institutional (hospitals)
  • Industrial (plants, factories)
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Electricians typically work a 40 hour, five day workweek and may see overtime when the project requires it. They often must be willing to travel to where the work exists.

Working conditions vary from one job to another. Electricians who work indoors may encounter anything from clean, open areas to dirty, cramped spaces. Those who work outdoors may work from scaffolds. They may be required to lift or move items that weigh up to 25 kilograms. There is some risk of injury due to accidental electric shock. Safe work practices are essential.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)

2006 NOC: 7241

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of a system, following installation, replacement and repair

innovative

Interest in analyzing to troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems, and to remove and replace faulty components

methodical

Interest in speaking - signalling to conduct preventive maintenance programs; and in keeping maintenance records

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Electricians need:

  • Communication skills including reading skills
  • An aptitude for math
  • Mechanical ability
  • Physical strength and stamina
  • The ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring
  • The ability to plan and organize
  • The ability to work in high places
  • The ability to get along well with co-workers
  • The ability to coach and mentor
  • The ability to do precision work
  • Problem solving and computer skills

Those who install or maintain equipment in homes or businesses should enjoy keeping a neat appearance and dealing with customers.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electricians (except industrial and power system)

2016 NOC: 7241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 209 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 28, 2021 and Jan 05, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Splice, join and connect wires
168
Tasks: Test and measure voltage, loads, ground faults integrity of circuits
168
Tasks: Troubleshoot and isolate faults
164
Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications
143
Tasks: Install underground wiring and cables
132
Tasks: Renovate electrical systems in residential and commercial structures
124
Attention to detail
119
Tasks: Install surface mount and/or overhead cables
118
Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Electrician Trade Certification
96
Tasks: Connect power to audio and visual equipment
94
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, an electrician must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:

  • 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in each of the first three years
  • 1,440 hours of on-the-job training and 12 weeks of classroom instruction in the fourth year

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Electrician apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Electricians need to keep up with changing technologies in their field.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades
Northwestern Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Electrician

Electricians install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, alter, repair or maintain electrical systems in Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Electrician.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Electricians are employed by construction and maintenance contractors, manufacturers, resource companies and other large organizations. Especially in construction, there may be no guarantee of permanent placements, and some work is seasonal.

Experienced electricians may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, manager or superintendent. With experience they may also become an estimator or electrical inspector, or start their own contracting businesses. In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required to obtain an electrical work permit for a building contract. See Certification Requirements for details.

Membership in a trade union is voluntary but some contractors employ only union people.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electricians (except industrial and power system)
2016 NOC: 7241

81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

Industrial electricians
2016 NOC: 7242

87.2% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electricians (except industrial and power system)
2021 NOC: 72200
Medium
Demand
16,700
Employed
Industrial electricians
2021 NOC: 72201
Medium
Demand
4,900
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electricians (except industrial and power system)
2016 NOC: 7241
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
350
New Positions
Industrial electricians
2016 NOC: 7242
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
150
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Related Alberta Job Postings

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

2016 NOC: 7241
Updated January 05, 2025

Electrician, Construction And Maintenance

ZA Electrical and General Contractor Ltd
Posted December 24, 2024
Closes February 04, 2025

  • Edmonton, AB
  • $22.00 to $25.00 hourly (to be negotiated)

Electrician

Leduc Chimney Sweep Ltd
Posted December 22, 2024
Closes January 21, 2025

  • Leduc, AB
  • $37.00 hourly

Electrician

NEXA Electric Ltd
Posted December 20, 2024
Closes January 19, 2025

  • Calgary, AB
  • $21.00 to $40.00 hourly (to be negotiated)

Electrician

Expert Electrical Ltd
Posted December 17, 2024
Closes January 16, 2025

  • Edmonton, AB
  • $36.00 hourly
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson electricians wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2020 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, 70% in the third and 80% in the fourth.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Electricians (except industrial and power system)

2016 NOC: 7241
Average Wage
$38.34
Per Hour
Average Salary
$80,275.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7241 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Chart

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
$0
$12
$25
$38
$50
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
$31.00
$41.59
$37.34
$39.00
Starting
$30.00
$42.07
$38.34
$40.00
Overall
$34.00
$46.80
$42.10
$41.40
Top

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
$80,275
Construction
$80,512
Manufacturing
$82,309
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
$73,691
Educational Services
$72,438
Health Care & Social Assistance
$91,211
Public Administration
$85,842

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
43%
43%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
26%
26%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Electrical Contractors Association website: www.ecaa.ab.ca

Safety Codes Council website, master electrician information: www.safetycodes.ab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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