Become a Construction Electrician
Power Buildings. Power Your Future.
A Construction Electrician plans, designs, assembles, installs, alters, repairs, inspects, verifies, commissions, connects, operates, maintains and decommissions electrical systems in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. Construction electricians may
be self-employed or employed by electrical contractors, utilities, and operations and maintenance
departments of various facilities and municipalities.
- Problem-solving skills
- Math skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Attention to detail
- Ability to distinguish colour-coded wiring
- Physical stamina
- Comfort working at heights
- Ability to work with tools and technology
Meet Derek, a Construction Electrician, and explore the work that powers buildings from the ground up.
Watch Derek as he walks through a typical day on the job, from installing wiring and lighting to testing systems and reading plans. He talks about the parts of the job people may not expect, the coordination required with other trades, and why problem-solving and safety are such a big part of electrical work.
- Direct Entry
Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed. Most apprentices spend about 80% of their time on the job and 20% in training. - Pre-Apprenticeship
Take a program at a college or training institution to build foundational skills before starting your apprenticeship. (NSCC Electrical-Industrial Maintenance and Controls Diploma; Electro Mechanical Technician Diploma) - Trade Experience
If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.
- Work on residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites
- Perform outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Work at heights, over water, and in small spaces
- Use hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment
- Travel between urban, rural and remote project locations
- Perform physically demanding work while following strict safety procedures
*Profile data compiled by Labour, Skills and Immigration – AskLMI@novascotia.ca