Electrician

Electrical Foundation Program

Overview

The Electrical Foundation Program prepares graduates for employment in the electrical trade where the electrical worker plans, assembles, installs, tests, repairs, and maintains electrical equipment and systems in commercial, industrial, and marine facilities.

This 24-week program covers many aspects of the electrical trade, including:

• Safe Work Practices
• Introduction to the Workplace
• Electrical Math
• Shop, Hand and Power Tool Use
• Fundamentals of Electricity
• DC Circuits
• Electromagnetism and Applications
• Meters and Test Equipment
• Electrical Prints and Drawings
• AC Motor Controls
• Electrical Code & Wiring
• Low Voltage Distribution Systems

Program Costs

See Program Costs for details regarding current fees.

Additional costs

Text books and supplies: $1,300

(All fees are subject to change without prior notice.)

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements for more details.

Outcomes

The training grants graduates a Vancouver Island University certificate as well as ITA Electrician Level I Certification. Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Electrical Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, graduates would find an employer in the industry to provide the on–the–job training and 10 weeks in–school training per year in each of the next three years. Learn more about VIU Apprenticeships.

Graduates will have gained knowledge and practical experience that may enable them to receive an apprenticeship with an electrical business.

Career Options

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 projects.

Job opportunities as an Apprentice Electrician are readily available in the local area and throughout British Columbia and Canada.

After completion of the apprenticeship program and upon receiving the Interprovincial Certificate, you could find work anywhere in Canada.

Currently, there are shortages of skilled workers such as electricians in Canada, and this trend is predicted to continue.

Apply

To become a student in the Electrical Foundation Program, apply to VIU.