Description

This 24 week program prepares students for employment as a construction electrician apprentice. Students will acquire breadth of knowledge and develop the necessary habits concerning safety, time and materials management, hand tools and power tools. Various practical projects are performed in a shop environment to enhance students' skills in lay out, assembly, installation, testing, troubleshooting and repairing electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures.

Students who complete the Foundation program are eligible for SkilledTradesBC credit in Construction Electrician Level 1 apprenticeship and 350 work-based hours. 

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with SkilledTradesBC. When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Electrical Apprenticeship in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4. 

Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.

Student Profile

This program is suited for individuals that have strong mathematical and analytical skills, are detail oriented and enjoy troubleshooting. Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of bending, reaching and hand-eye coordinated activities. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/electrical

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for employment by electrical contractors and the maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments. Progression to supervisory positions or self-employment is possible; additional training and experience is recommended.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

Department's website: kpu.ca/trades/electrical

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Composition 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • Creative Writing 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Mathematics:
  • Any Math 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or 
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades Mathematics Assessment with a minimum score of 55%.

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and Accessibility Services to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Curricular Requirements

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed according to the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) for the electrical trade to learn safe job-site practices, acquire appropriate work habits for the industry and learn to read codes and drawings used in the trade, and acquire the essential skills that underlie effective communication and professional attitudes.

Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.67 for all required courses:

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate safety wear in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations which includes safety glasses, steel toed boots and hard hat. A list of required tools, equipment or supplies will be provided by the instructor at the start of the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Construction Electrician.

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to SkilledTradesBC in order for SkilledTradesBC to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.