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 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

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

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

 

Logbook, Sign-off Form, and Evidence Guides

 

Program and Exam 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.

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

  • December 2019: OPSN 2019 019 (HL1 and HL2 SLE launch)

  • February 2025: OPSN 2025 001 (Electrician CEC Announcement)

  • June 2023: OPSN 2023 007 (HL3 SLE Launch)

  • 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)

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.