Electrician

Program Overview

Want to jump into the construction workforce? Check out the Electrician applied certificate program. At just 17 weeks long, it provides the basic knowledge and skills you need for an entry level job.

Instructors with actual industry experience will help you learn how to install, test, replace and repair lighting fixtures, wiring and electrical equipment. You'll get lots of hands-on practice using standard tools of the trade. You'll also learn how to read and interpret construction drawings.

Electrician is a skilled trade. Having an applied certificate will get you noticed by employers and put you on the fast track to having a career as an electrician. The more education and experience you get, the higher you can climb on the wage-earning ladder. A fourth-year journeyperson electrician can earn double the hourly wage of a first-year electrician apprentice.

The Electrician applied certificate program is delivered at Sask Polytech campuses in Regina and Saskatoon. It is also available off campus through Continuing Education and regional colleges.

For more information, contact Carol Krawczyk at carol.krawczyk@saskpolytech.ca or 306-775-7475 or Richard Long at richard.long@saskpolytech.ca or 306-659-4326

Apprenticeship Credit

Applied certificate programs can give you a head-start on apprenticeship. To learn how to apply your academic credit toward Level 1 of the Construction Electrician apprenticeship program, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate from the Electrician applied certificate, look for entry level jobs with electrical contractors in the construction industry, both commercial and residential. Or look for opportunities with energy, mining or manufacturing companies, or with retail and wholesale outlets.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Electrician	Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System) (7241)	$33,300 - $87,400

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

Regina

August 20 - December 14, 2018 (8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday)
January 7, 2019 - May 3, 2019

Saskatoon

August 20 - December 14, 2018 (8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday)
January 7, 2019 - May 3, 2019

Length: 17 weeks

Locations

Regina
Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 11 with Foundations of Mathematics 20 or Workplace and Apprenticeship Mathematics 20 or Pre-Calculus 20*
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Math 20
General Math 30

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

70 Arithmetic
55 Elementary Algebra
70 Reading
55 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$10,450

Additional costs to be considered for personal protective equipment. Steel toed work boots are required.

You may be eligible for a Student Loan. Individuals on employment insurance (EI), who wish to continue receiving benefits while attending training should contact their local Labour Market Service office for further information.

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

BT 100

Introductory Electrical Theory and Practices

You will gain an understanding of the electrician trade, electrical theory and electrical terminology through classroom and lab experiences. Your studies will help you become familiar with basic electrical circuits and components used in electrical equipment. You will terminate conductors and install typical lighting and receptacle circuits.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

BT 141

Resistive Circuit Analysis

You will prove Ohm’s Law, Watt’s Law, and Kirchoff’s Laws through classroom and laboratory experiences. You will apply these laws to solve series, parallel, combination, and three-wire circuit problems. You will become familiar with the terminology, operation, and connection of cells and batteries.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BT 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

BWC 121

Conductors and Branch Circuits

You will be introduced to different conductor and insulation materials. You will be able to calculate conductor cross-sectional area, conductor resistance, line drop, and line loss. You will be able to determine conductor ampacity, overcurrent device rating, and bonding conductor size for appliance, receptacle, and lighting branch circuits. You will be able to design an electrical layout for a single dwelling and complete an estimate for the installation.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BT 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Web Assisted Delivery Group

BWC 122

Extra Low Voltage, Magnetism and Meters

You will focus on the inter-relationship of magnetism and electricity. You will use meters to measure electrical properties (such as volts, amps, resistance, power and energy). You will install basic signal systems and typical residential remote control relay systems using industry installation standards and trade standards of workmanship.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Web Assisted Delivery Group

JOBS 125

Essential Job Skills

You will develop essential job skills by preparing job search documents and practicing effective interpersonal communication skills for the workplace.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 106, COMM 127, TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PLS 122

Single Dwelling Plans, Lighting and Services

Your studies will focus on electrical drawings and the installation requirements for single dwelling services. You will learn how to read and interpret construction drawings and apply lighting theory to determine lighting requirements for installations. You will also learn how to calculate the minimum size of service equipment. You will install a typical 100 amp overhead and underground single dwelling service.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BT 100(concurrent), BWC 121(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SFTY 130

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment

You will be introduced to the Occupational Health and Safety requirements for the electrician trade. You will learn about personal protective equipment that is required when working in the electrical trade. You will learn about arc flash hazards. You will learn how to utilize ladders and scaffolds safely. You will be introduced to basic rigging equipment, calculations, and operations. You will learn about Occupational Health and Safety requirements for rigging operations and equipment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TOOL 149

Tools and Fasteners

You will learn how to use hand and power tools common to the electrician trade. You will learn how to safely operate and maintain powder actuated tools. You will learn about common fasteners used for wood, metal, masonry, and other materials.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WM 131

Wiring Methods (Cables)

You will be introduced to installation requirements for electrical circuits using various types of cables. You will become familiar with the minimum Canadian Electrical Code requirements and practice installing typical circuits using various types of cables.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BT 100(concurrent), SFTY 130(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WM 132

Wiring Methods (Raceways)

You will be introduced to installation requirements for electrical circuits using various types of raceways. You will become familiar with the minimum Canadian Electrical Code requirements and practice installing typical circuits using various types of raceways. You will learn how to bend electrical metallic tubing, PVC conduit, and how to install cable tray.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BT 100(concurrent), SFTY 130(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships