Updated May 2023

There are many compelling reasons to become an electrician in Ontario. This trade offers challenging work, good wages, and a variety of career options. What’s more, the provincial government expects employment of electricians to grow by 15 per cent over the next few years.

If you’re looking to establish a career in this trade, you must eventually pass an exam to obtain your electrician licence, known as a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate serves as proof that you have met all the requirements to work as an electrician in Ontario.

So what is the exam all about, and how can you get ready for it? That’s what we cover in this post. Keep reading for details about the path to becoming a licensed electrician and tips to help with your Certificate of Qualification exam preparation.

Updated May 2023

Thinking of beginning electrician courses? Getting ready to upgrade your skills or switch career paths?

Your first step will likely be a pre-apprenticeship program, where you'll learn the theory and practical skills needed to excel in an electrician apprenticeship.

An important part of that training will be learning how electrical systems actually work, how to perform troubleshooting and maintenance, and how to stay safe when carrying out installations and repairs.

Get a head start by testing yourself on these seven very common electricity myths. Which of these misconceptions have you bought into over the years?

Updated May 2023

Good electricians will always be in demand. Talented “sparkies” are respected for their intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge.

However, it takes several years of training and hard work to become an electrician. And life on the job isn't always easy. Do you have what it takes? Is this the right trades career for you? 

In this post, we put together the most common pros and cons of becoming an electrician.  Salary, working conditions, certification requirements, job safety, cost of training—we cover it all. 

Find out if a career as an electrician is a good fit for you and what steps to take next. 

Pre-apprenticeship students in class at Herzing College (2019)

Updated February 2023

Electricians and plumbers have more in common than you might think. They’re both respected tradespeople. They both provide an essential service that will always be in demand. They’re both well paid and if they want, can go into business for themselves. 

So which trade should you choose? Should you become a plumber or an electrician? 

There’s always been debate over which of these trades is “better”. The truth is, there is no right answer. But, there are a few things you can think about, to help figure out which path fits you best. 

Here are seven key points to consider when making your decision. 

Updated January 2023

If you look at skilled trade forums and discussion groups online, you'll often see debate over HVAC and electrician—and which career path is better. It's not that one trade is actually superior to the other. It's more that they're both very popular...so students often have a hard time deciding which path to pursue.

In this post, we're breaking down the benefits of both trades. To help you make a smart decision, we'll look at training, key skills, job outlook, and typical pros and cons of HVAC and electrician work.

In the end, it will come down to which field you're more passionate about. But we're hoping this information helps clarify a few things. Let's get started.

Photo: Electrician students at Herzing College in Toronto (2019)

Updated December 2022

Exactly what kinds of work or areas of specialty can you pursue after electrician training? Is there more to this trade than routine wiring installation and repairs?

Absolutely. After you've completed electrician training, there's a wide range of career paths open to you. It all depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and career goals.

What kind of environment do you want to work in? Are you fixed on avoiding outdoor work? Are you especially interested in electronics, computers, renewable energy, or telecommunications?

In this post, we're comparing electrician career paths to help you see what's out there.

Certain paths require additional training. Others are directly related to the skills you'll learn in a typical construction and maintenance electrician program.

Here's a look at some of your top options, plus some helpful information on training.

Updated December 2022

Planning to become an electrician apprentice in Ontario? You'll need to follow a specific set of steps from total beginner to licensed journeyperson.

Those steps usually start with some kind of pre-apprenticeship electrician training. This is followed by a mandatory apprenticeship with a licensed electrician.

Once your electrician apprenticeship is complete, you can challenge the certification exam. Pass the exam, and you can get registered as a licensed journeyperson in the trade.

How long do all these steps take? And what kinds of tasks will you perform as an electrician apprentice?

In this post, we break down the training and certification process, including typical tasks for beginner electricians.

Here's how you become an electrician apprentice (and ultimately a licensed electrician) in Ontario.

Updated April 2022

"So, how much math do I really need to know to become an electrician?" We get this question all the time when we're interviewing applicants for electrician training.

Many students who are considering electrician training feel insecure about their math skills.

By the time high school graduation rolls around, many are totally "done" with math. They never want to see another algebraic equation or geometry question as long as they live!

Sound familiar? Have you heard that electricians use a lot of math on the job, and figure you shouldn't even bother considering this trade?

Before you make up your mind, first understand how electricians actually use math. Take a look at some common applications of math in day-to-day electrical work.

Updated December 2022

With the construction industry booming and large numbers of older workers retiring, the time is right to begin a career in the skilled trades.

While there is currently high demand for many occupations related to construction, new grads still have to compete for great jobs. Choosing to learn two trades is an excellent strategy for maximizing your opportunities in the job market.