What does an Industrial Electrician Do?

Industrial Electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment and other types of electrical and electronic controls on various types of equipment.

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 and scroll down to Industrial Electrician, NOC code 7242:

http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

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, before entering an apprenticeship program of 9000 hours duration. You must also successfully complete the required examinations and hours of employment in order to be awarded a Journeyperson certificate.

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/hr to $30.00/hr, often with benefits and opportunities for overtime.

Self-Rating

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

Can you stand for long periods of time, work at heights or in confined spaces?

Yes      No

Do you like working on a variety of tasks?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy figuring out what’s wrong with something, and then fixing it?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with hand and power tools?

Yes      No

Can you visualize how things operate from looking at a diagram or blueprint?

Yes      No

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

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Construction Millwright/Industrial Mechanic
  • Machinist
  • Tool & Die Maker
  • Electrician