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Becoming an Electrician in British Columbia, Canada: A Beginner's Guide

Cooper Electrical Contracting Ltd. • February 10, 2023
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Determine the type of electrician you want to become: In British Columbia, there are four main categories of electricians: Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, and Traffic Signal and Control Electrician. Choose the type that best fits your interests and skills.


Get an education: You will need to complete a high school education and an electrical apprenticeship program that is recognized by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) of British Columbia.


Start an apprenticeship: An electrical apprenticeship typically lasts four years and consists of on-the-job training and in-school technical training. You will be paid while you learn and gain practical experience.


Pass the certification exams: After completing your apprenticeship, you will need to pass a certification exam administered by the ITA. You will also need to complete additional training and exams if you wish to become a Master Electrician.


Obtain a license: To work as an electrician in British Columbia, you will need to obtain a license from the Safety Standards Branch of the Technical Safety BC.


Stay current: Electricians in British Columbia are required to participate in ongoing training to stay current with changes in the electrical code and industry standards.


Good luck!

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