Electrical Apprentices work in construction, usually as part of a contractor’s team on both residential and commercial construction projects. The apprentice level training provides provincially certified apprenticeship training for registered Electrician apprentices in Level 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The Electrical apprenticeship program consists of:
- 4 years (6,000 training hours) of on-the job experience
- 4 levels of technical training
- writing the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson-certification. Learn more about the Application Process for Apprenticeship Technical Training.
Level 1 (10 weeks)
Level 1 is also covered in VIU’s Electrician certificate program.
- use Safe Work Practices
- apply Circuit Concepts
- use Test Equipment
- read and Interpret Drawings and Manuals
- install Low Voltage Distribution Systems
- install Electrical Equipment
- install Control Circuits and Devices.
Level 2 (10 weeks)
- use Essential Skills
- apply Circuit Concepts
- use Test Equipment
- read and Interpret Drawings and Manuals
- install Low Voltage Distribution Systems
- install Electrical Equipment
- install Control Circuits and Devices
Level 3 (10 weeks)
- apply Circuit Concepts
- use Test Equipment
- read and Interpret Drawings and Manuals
- install Low Voltage Distribution Systems
- install Electrical Equipment
- install Control Circuits and Devices
Level 4 (10 weeks)
- apply Circuit Concepts
- use Test Equipment
- read and Interpret Drawings and Manuals
- install Low Voltage Distribution Systems
- install Electrical Equipment
- install Control Circuits and Devices
- install Signal and Communication Systems
- install High Voltage Systems
Upon successful completion of all 4 years of technical training, verification of work based training hours, successful completion of the Interprovincial Exam, students will receive their Electrical Red Seal Certification.
Admission Information
- successfully completed the previous apprenticeship level
- registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
- have an employer sponsor
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees include supply fees, student activity fee, student services fee and VIU Students’ Union fee.
Costs are for budgeting purposes only and will be confirmed when you register for the course.
| Apprenticeship Level | Tuition | Additional mandatory student fees | Domestic Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1,175.30 | 204.30 | 1,379.60 |
| Level 2 | 1,175.30 | 204.30 | 1,379.60 |
| Level 3 | 1,175.30 | 204.30 | 1,379.60 |
| Level 4 | 1,175.30 | 204.30 | 1,379.60 |
| Full Program | 4,701.20 | 817.20 | 5,518.40 |
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Start dates for all apprenticeship training in BC can be found on Trades Training BC. Apprenticeship training classes at Vancouver Island University fill on a first-come, first-registered basis. There are waiting lists for many trades and apprenticeship levels.
Please contact the Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant for seat availability and waitlist information:
Email: apprentice@viu.ca
Phone: 250.740.6227
An Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant can help with your questions:
- email apprentice@viu.ca
- call us at 250-740-6227.
- visit the Trades and Applied Technology office in Building 180, Room 110
- open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm