Construction and Maintenance Electricians Play an Important Role

Did you know that it is possible to train as an apprentice while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician diploma to become a construction and maintenance electrician? This combination of training is available to students who attend Centennial College’s two-year Electrician: Construction and Maintenance – Electrical Engineering Technician program. This program ensures that requirements for both in school apprenticeship curriculum and an Ontario College diploma are completed.

Through the offering, students obtain a thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills, including electrical circuits, maintenance of electrical instruments or devices, operation of electrical motors and power transmission as used in the industry. But why is this knowledge important? With the construction industry on the up-swing and the most condo developments in North America going up in Toronto, construction and maintenance electricians are vital to areas such as service, installation, repairs sales and design. In these areas, construction and maintenance electricians read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts for new or existing installations; install, replace and repair lighting fixtures and electrical control and distribution equipment; splice, join and connect wire to fixtures and components to form circuits; test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of system following installation, replacement or repair; troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components; and more.

To ensure students are prepared for these numerous responsibilities, eight months of the program time is spent on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. This co-op opportunity allows the future construction and maintenance electricians to apply the skills learned in school to real life, network with seasoned professionals and be compensated for their contributions to the construction site.

Meanwhile, during the time students spend in school, they are exposed to courses with a project approach that simulates actual workplace assignments. In these courses, students become comfortable in dealing with electrical circuits, maintenance of electrical instruments or devices, operation of electrical motors and power transmission as used in the industry. Among the specific courses in which future construction and maintenance electricians partake are: three levels of Electrical Codes and Prints, three levels of Electrical Theory, three levels of Installation Methods, three levels of Electronics, and more.

In order to apply to Centennial College and become a construction and maintenance electrician, applicants are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). They are also required to have the English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment as well as the Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Lastly a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability as well as an employer interview may be required.