Updated November 2023
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.
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.
Estimated employment growth between 2023 and 2027: 2-3% (source: Ontario government)
Projected job openings from 2023 to 2027: 3,000 to 4,000
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 schools, healthcare facilities, and mass transit projects that should create opportunities for construction electricians.
In addition, the demand for residential renovation work is expected to remain steady over the next few years. And more construction and maintenance electricians will likely be needed to upgrade or retrofit older commercial or public facilities.
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.
Estimated employment growth between 2023 and 2027: 4-5% (source: Ontario government)
Projected job openings from 2023 to 2027: 1,000 to 2,000
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.
Ford is retooling its Oakville plant for electric vehicle production. And Stellantis and Volkswagen are also boosting EV production in Ontario, which should boost demand for industrial 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.
Estimated employment growth between 2023 and 2027: 1-2% (source: Ontario government)
Projected job openings from 2023 to 2027: 100 to 200
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.
Expected refurbishments at the Darlington and Bruce nuclear power stations should lead to more jobs for power systems electricians.
Plus, major projects are planned to connect First Nations communities in northern Ontario to the provincial grid. That should also boost employment for these electricians.
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.
Estimated employment growth between 2023 and 2027: 1-2% (source: Ontario government)
Projected job openings from 2023 to 2027: 300 to 400
Factors influencing demand: Projects aimed at expanding capacity and upgrading aging infrastructure are expected to create job opportunities for lineworkers in many areas of Ontario, according to the Job Bank.
For instance, the push to get more First Nations communities on the power grid may drive up demand for lineworkers in northern areas of the province.
Bottom line: We're seeing employment growth for electricians across Ontario.
Demand is highest for construction and maintenance electricians - followed by industrial electricians, lineworkers, and power system electricians.
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.
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.