Industrial Electricians
What they do?
Industrial electricians perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics and electrical code specifications to determine layout of industrial electrical equipment installations
B. Install, examine, replace or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
C. Test electrical and electronic equipment and components for continuity, current, voltage and resistance
D. Maintain, repair, install and test switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors
E. Maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, alternators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems
F. Troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial, electrical and electronic control systems and other related devices
G. Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records
Where they find work?
1. Construction - 23.0%
2. Paper manufacturing - 8.0%
3. Primary metal manufacturing - 8.0%
4. Mining (except oil and gas) - 6.0%
5. Transportation and warehousing - 5.0%
6. Wood product manufacturing - 5.0%
7. Motor vehicle manufacturing - 4.0%
What education do I need?
1. You usually need a high school diploma.
2. To gain trade certification, you usually need either a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years' work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial electrical equipment.
3. Trade certification is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the Yukon. It is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba.
4. According to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, these electricians in Canada require a Construction and Maintenance Licence.
5. Qualified industrial electricians may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.
6. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Physics
4. Industrial Arts (Electricity)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Industrial Electricians is $24.32/HR, which is above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Industrial Electricians are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Industrial Electricians is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($24.32) are above the averages ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (67%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Maintenance
2. Construction/manufacturing
3. Appliance repair
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be above average because of a tendency to retire at an earlier-than-average age (58).
