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What does an Industrial Electrician Do?

Industrial Electricians (442A) install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment and other types of electrical and electronic controls on various types of equipment found in an industrial site or plant.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

• reading and interpreting drawings, blueprints and electrical code specifications
• installing, examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, case assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
• testing electrical and electronic equipment and components
• working independently and sometimes with others to solve problems
• troubleshooting and solving many different problems during a working day
• maintaining, repairing, installing and testing electrical motors, generators, industrial storage batteries and various electrical control systems
• maintaining, repairing, installing and testing switchgears, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors

To view the Essential Skills necessary for working in this occupation, click on the following link for Industrial Electrician, NOC code 7242:

http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/ES/English/ShowProfile.aspx?v=207

Additional information on training standards for this particular trade in the Industrial sector may be found on the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) website at: http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/trades/training-standards1/industrial

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become an Industrial Electrician, you must complete Grade 12 with your secondary school diploma, particularly with credits in mathematics and physics, this minimum to be apprenticed in this trade under the Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Act (2009). Please note that minimum entry requirements to this and other trades are currently under review by the Ontario College of Trades. Completion of a 9,000 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, before successfully writing an examination to obtain your Certificate of Qualification. General skills can sometimes be transferable to other trades as well.

What’s Your Future as an Industrial Electrician?

Most workers in this trade work full-time, often in shift work, and are usually employed in an industrial plant of some kind. Industries in Southern Ontario that employ industrial electricians include:

• electrical construction firms
• primary steel producers
• motor vehicle manufacturers
• motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• electrical power companies
• mining companies.

Robots and other computerized control equipment are increasingly common in auto parts and other manufacturing sectors. Electricians who install and repair it enhance their job opportunities, particularly with the large electrical contractors who specialize in installing and maintaining this type of equipment.

Wage Rate

• As an apprentice you would start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson
• This rate gradually increases as you gain in competency 
• Fully qualified Industrial electricians can earn anywhere from $19.00/ hour to $30.00/ hour, often with benefits and opportunities for overtime.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is working as an Industrial Electrician for You?

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as an Industrial Electrician may be for you!