Purpose

In BC, an individual can become a certified Electrician by completing an Industry Training Authority (ITA) apprenticeship program or by challenging the certification.  Apprenticeship programs are for individuals who have an employer to sponsor them, and challenge programs are for individuals who have extensive experience working in the occupation and wish to challenge the certification.  Foundation programs provide adults and youth who do not have work experience or employer sponsorship with an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the occupation. 

Goals

The program was prepared with the advice and assistance of the Industry Training Authority and their associates.  General areas of competency and associated learning tasks have been identified by industry and examples are provided below.  Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Describe the basic nature and principles of Electricity;


• Describe the basic Electrical circuit concepts using standard terms and symbols;


• Explain the operating principles of common electrical devices and circuit measurement instruments;


• Use common electrical devices and meters for DC Circuit analysis.


• Analyze Series, Parallel DC circuits;


• Analyze Combination, and 3-wire DC circuits;


• Solve equation and word problems in DC circuit analysis;


• Identify and locate information from common engineering drawings using: Prefixes, Title block, Changes block, Sectional Detail notations, Materials block, Symbols and Legends, Grid lines, Dimensions, Equipment Schedules, and Specifications;


• Develop drawings used for electrical work including: Schematic diagrams, Wiring diagrams, One-line diagrams, and Floor Plans;


• Describe the general arrangement of the Canadian Electrical Code and how the Provincial Bulletins and Amendments relate to the Code;


• Calculate loads using diversity factors and Tables and apply the Rules of General Sections of the Code for Residential and Commercial wiring installations; and


• Identify different career opportunities, job-search techniques, hidden job markets, labour organizations, interview basics and responsibilities for finding a job.

Activities & Design

This 24-week program provides students with little or no previous experience in the electrical trade with the necessary skills to seek employment in that industry as an apprentice electrician. The program exposes the student to aspects of residential, commercial and industrial systems in this trade with a focus on developing practical skills. The curriculum follows the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education guidelines for the first-year in-class components of the Electrician Apprenticeship, which includes installation procedures in compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code for residential, commercial and industrial systems.

Graduates of this program receive credit for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training and may also be granted practical credit by the Industry Training Authority.

Program Duration

The Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship program is 24 weeks in length.

Evaluation

Theoretical concepts may be evaluated by written exams, assignments, case studies, presentations, and/or completion of a journal.  Practical performance is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience and field situations, and is based on mid-term and/or final evaluations.  All courses are evaluated consistent with the NVIT Grading System.

The passing grade for all technical training and in-class assessments within a component is 70%.  If a component is not completed satisfactorily, a student may apply to repeat the course the next time it is offered, providing there is space available.

Credential

Students receive an NVIT Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program certificate upon successful completion of the program.  Graduates will also receive the Construction Electrician – Certificate of Completion from the Industry Training Authority. 

Individuals who complete the ITA Construction Electrician Foundation program, with a minimum of 70% on the Level One Technician Exam, will receive the following credit toward completion of the Construction Electrician apprenticeship program:

• Technical Training: Level 1


• Work-Based Training: 350 hours

Entrance Requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.


• One of: English 12, English 12 First Peoples, Technical and Professional Communications (TPC) 12, an equivalent Provincial Level Adult Basic Education English course, or equivalent assessment.


• Math requirement: Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course, or an equivalent assessment. Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: One of: Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11 or, Pre-Calculus 11, or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course or an equivalent assessment.

Partnerships

NVIT works with the Industry Training Authority (ITA), Okanagan College, and School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen).

Course Listing for this program