Updated December 2024
Considering a career as an electrician? Wondering what the employment outlook in Ontario is like?
Good news: the overall demand for electricians throughout the province is expected to remain steady for the foreseeable future.
Of course, there are different types of electricians, and different factors that affect the demand for their expertise. To get the full story, we reviewed labour market data for construction and maintenance electricians, industrial electricians, power system electricians, and lineworkers.
Get the latest information on demand for electricians in Ontario and learn how you can get started in this trade.
demand for CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIANS
Construction and maintenance electricians plan, install, and maintain the electrical systems in houses, condos, offices, stores, schools, hospitals, and other types of buildings. They can be involved in new builds, repairs, or renovations.
Projected job openings from 2024 to 2028: 6,100 (source: Ontario government)
Factors influencing demand: Employment for construction and maintenance electricians is largely driven by activity in the construction industry.
The Government of Canada Job Bank notes that Ontario is investing in new infrastructure and housing projects that should create opportunities for construction electricians.
And BuildForce Canada expects strong growth in the Ontario construction industry for the next few years.
demand for INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIANS
Industrial electricians install and fix electrical equipment and controls in plants, factories, mines, and shipyards. They work with equipment like alternators, generators, instrumentation, reactors, motors, and energy storage systems.
Projected job openings from 2024 to 2028: 1,500 (source: Ontario government)
Factors influencing demand: The Government of Canada Job Bank says most of Ontario’s industrial electricians work in the manufacturing industry—especially in automotive manufacturing.
And global companies are making big investments in the Ontario electric vehicle industry. For instance, auto parts manufacturer Hanon Systems is building a new facility in Woodbridge to make e-compressors for EVs, which should boost demand for industrial electricians.
demand for POWER SYSTEM ELECTRICIANS
Power system electricians focus on the equipment that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. That includes components like transformers, circuit breakers, voltage regulators, capacitors, and inductors.
Projected job openings from 2024 to 2028: 200 (source: Ontario government)
Factors influencing demand: According to the Job Bank, the vast majority of power system electricians work for utility companies in power plants and substations, though some also focus on utility system construction.
Major projects are planned to connect First Nations communities in northern Ontario to the provincial grid. That should boost employment for these electricians.
demand for LINEWORKERS
Lineworkers set up and maintain the high-voltage lines that carry electricity from power plants to individual buildings. They work both underground and at heights.
These professionals erect poles and towers, install lines and cables, and connect and insulate conductors.
Projected job openings from 2024 to 2028: 400 (source: Ontario government)
Factors influencing demand: Projects aimed at replacing poles and modernizing the power grid are expected to create job opportunities for lineworkers in many areas of Ontario, according to the Job Bank.
Bottom line: We're seeing employment growth for electricians across Ontario.
In terms of the number of job openings, demand is highest for construction and maintenance electricians, followed by industrial electricians, power systems electricians, and lineworkers.
HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN IN ONTARIO
If you want to become an electrician in Ontario, you must do some in-class training, complete an apprenticeship, and pass a certification exam. The entire process takes about five years.
Landing your first apprenticeship can be very competitive.
Most companies look for candidates who already know how to do basic tasks like read blueprints, install fixtures, interpret the electrical code, and follow safety regulations.
That’s why many newcomers enrol in pre-apprenticeship electrician training. A good program will help you develop the basic electrical knowledge and skills companies want in new apprentices.
Pre-apprenticeship training is not mandatory to become an electrician. However, it can definitely help you get hired as an apprentice and start the certification process.
GET STARTED WITH ELECTRICIAN PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
Want to take advantage of the demand for electricians in Ontario?
Start by exploring the electrician pre-apprenticeship program from Herzing College (offered in Ottawa, Toronto, and Cambridge).
The training takes just 24 weeks to complete. Students learn how to interpret blueprints, install and maintain electrical fixtures and equipment, and apply the Canadian Electrical Code.
The program also includes several safety certifications you will need to work in the field.
Need more info? We suggest speaking to admissions. An advisor can walk you through the program and answer your questions about course schedules, tuition, financial aid, jobs, and more.
Click below to learn more about training, apprenticeship, and electrician careers.
