This apprenticeship program prepares you for a career installing, altering, repairing and maintaining electrical systems in commercial, industrial and residential environments. You will train in the Tamarack Building on the Benchlands Campus, using professional tools to build residential wiring, commercial systems and industrial automation controls. The program is structured in levels of eight to ten weeks, delivered full-time with morning-to-afternoon lab sessions. You will start your training in September, January or May, and you must be 16 or older to enter the shops.
Career outcomes
- Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Lead Hand Electrician
- Foreperson
- Project Supervisor
- Independent Electrical Contractor
- Electrical Estimator
Admission requirements
- Registration with the provincial apprenticeship authority
- Assignment to a training level based on work experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Signed consent form if under 18 years old
Tuition
Tuition is $1,190 per level for domestic students; ancillary fees are $1,125 per year and billed separately.
Courses
- ELTR 1860 Service Entrance Installations
- ELTR 1920 Lighting Design Basics
- MILL 1370 Residential Wiring Methods
- MILL 1540 Control Panel Assembly
- MILL 2120 Commercial Electrical Systems
- MILL 2490 Industrial Automation Controls
- WELD 2400 Pipe Welding Techniques
What you will learn
As a Construction & Maintenance Electrician, you will install, alter, repair and maintain electrical systems in commercial, industrial and residential settings. You will work in the Tamarack Building on the Benchlands Campus, where you will use professional-grade tools and equipment. Our shops are designed to mirror real job sites so you can build confidence before you step onto a worksite. You will learn to read blueprints, calculate electrical loads, run conduit and wire control panels. Safety is the foundation of everything you do. You must be 16 or older to enter the shops, and you will follow strict safety protocols at all times. You will also practice pipe welding techniques to ensure your installations meet industry standards.
How the program runs
This program is delivered full-time on the Benchlands Campus. You will attend classroom sessions and hands-on shop labs Monday through Friday. The program is broken into levels, each lasting eight to ten weeks. You can start in September, January or May. Each level covers a specific set of skills, from basic residential wiring to advanced industrial automation. You will complete seven core courses that take you from service entrance installations to commercial electrical systems and pipe welding. There are no co-op work terms in this program because your training is built around your on-the-job apprenticeship hours.
Admission
To join this program, you must first be registered as an apprentice with the provincial apprenticeship authority. The authority will review your eligibility and assign you to a training level based on your work experience. You must also meet the program's academic prerequisites, which generally include a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are under 18, you will need a signed consent form to work in the shops. You do not need to pay an application fee to submit your application to Wrenford Polytechnic. If you need help with finances, visit the Student Financial Aid office or call 519-555-0173.
Tuition and fees
Tuition for each training level is $1,190 for domestic students. This fee covers your instruction, shop access and program materials. Ancillary fees are $1,125 per year and are billed separately. International students pay $17,600 per year for tuition and $1,125 in ancillary fees. You can pay your fees through the Student Financial Aid portal or request a payment plan. Parking on the Benchlands Campus is available in Lots A through D, and a student permit is $210 per term. If you live in residence, Larch House traditional rooms cost $7,950 per year and require the $4,600 meal plan.
After you graduate
When you finish all required levels, you will be ready to write your provincial trade exam. Passing the exam leads to your Red Seal endorsement, which allows you to work as a qualified electrician anywhere in Canada. Graduates often find roles as lead hands, forepersons or project supervisors in construction and maintenance companies. Many go on to start their own contracting businesses. You can also pursue further study through Continuing Education to expand your expertise in areas like building codes, energy management or project estimation.
How to apply
Apprenticeship students register directly with Wrenford Polytechnic for classroom instruction after their provincial apprenticeship authority assigns them to a training period. Domestic full-time applicants apply through the provincial college application service. International applicants apply using the polytechnic's own form. You can upload your documents in myWrenford once you receive your student account. For questions about registration, fees or program dates, contact the Registrar at 519-555-0172 or visit the Admissions office in Hollis Hall.