Electrical Foundations

The Electrical Foundations Program includes Level 1, which is the first year theoretical and hands-on training component of the four-year apprenticeship program. This program is ideal for entry-level trades training – No ITA-BC sponsorship is required. Upon successful completion of the diploma requirements, students will receive certification and a total of 350 hours towards their apprenticeship.

An Electrician is designated as a Construction Electrician under the Inter-Provincial Red Seal program. This ITA-BC Approved modular program provides opportunities for students to gain employable lifetime skills, and provides employers with a highly trained and experienced workforce while strengthening British Columbia’s economy.

Electricians work in a wide variety of buildings and facilities. Since electricity is used for a variety of purposes including climate control, security, and communications, Electricians need to be proficient in many applications of electricity. There are three main settings in which Electricians typically work; Construction, Industrial and Institutional.

Electricians have many different responsibilities and tasks that they must carry out in their daily work. They assemble, install, alter, test, and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal, and fire alarms for all types of buildings and premises.

They ensure that all electrical connections are safe and meet the Canadian Electrical Code requirements. This program gives the student the necessary skills to be competitive in all environments.

In addition to providing students with the tools necessary to be successful throughout their time in school as well as career management skills, students will learn how to maintain and use hand tools and power tools safely, be provided with a substantial mathematics overview to ensure success in the program, learn basic DC theory, safety procedures, rudimentary motor control, introduction to electronics and the Canadian Electrical Code.

The Electrical Foundations Program includes a 6-week Practicum and Workplace Orientation. This includes a minimum of 25 hours per week, for a minimum total of 150 hours (144 practicum hours and 6 hours of workplace orientation). Practicum placements are subject to availability (may be in various areas).

This program for Electrical Foundations has received a provisional approval from ITA.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, learners will be able to:

• Identify four categories of learning resources
• Outline steps for setting goals and making decisions
• Apply effective time-management strategies
• Solve practical problems in mathematics for electricians
• Demonstrate safety and maintenance of hand and power tools
• Use essential skills in troubleshooting and computers
• Use safe work practices
• Use tools and equipment
• Apply circuit concepts
• Use test equipment
• Read and interpret drawings and manuals
• Apply the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) regulations, and standards
• Install low voltage distributions systems
• Install control devices
• Install and maintain raceways, cables and enclosures
• Install and maintain branch circuitry
• Install and maintain communication systems
• Format an effective employment package
• Determine the employers’ needs
• Explain the stages of an interview
• Develop responses to commonly asked interview questions
• Complete a typical application form
• Research potential employers
• Compile and maintain an Employment Portfolio