Industrial Electrician

 

Industrial Electricians work behind-the-scenes to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a wide range of sites—from mines to shipyards and factories.  

As an Industrial Electrician, you’ll inspect, test and repair industrial equipment and electrical systems.

You’ll be inspecting, installing, maintaining and repairing high-voltage industrial equipment and electrical controls at shipyards, factories, and other industrial sites. You’ll have an analytical skillset and good dexterity to ensure you can safely work in a physical and alert way. 

What You'll Learn

  • How to read and interpret drawings, blueprints and electrical code specifications
  • How to install electrical components
  • How to replace or repair electrical components
  • How to keep maintenance records
  • How to test electrical equipment for current, voltage and resistance 

Key Job Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Judgement and decision-making
  • Quality control analysis
  • Installation and maintenance 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 40 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6000 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Curious Independent Logical Persistent

Skilled Trades Certification Updates:

Industrial Electrician is a Skilled Trades Certification trade, also known as a compulsory trade, in British Columbia. This means that to work in this trade, you must be registered as an apprentice, be a certified journeyperson, or have applied as a Trade Qualifier or Uncertified Experienced Worker.

Program Updates:

For more information on the Marine Endorsement please refer to the Marine Electrician - Endorsement Program page.

Logbook and Evidence Guides:

Signoff Form:

 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Industrial Electricians inspect, install, test, troubleshoot, repair, and service industrial electrical equipment and associated electrical and electronic controls. Service includes calibration and preventative/predictive maintenance. They are employed by maintenance departments of plants, mines, smelters, oil and gas operations, mills, shipyards, utility companies, manufacturing facilities and other industrial establishments. Some are employed by electrical contractors

View Program Profile

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

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Updates:

  • October 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2016 RSOS and 2021 RSOS can be found here.
  • March 2025: OPSN 2025 003 (Electrician CEC IPSE Announcement)

Information:

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.