Updated May 2023

Construction electricians are the skilled tradespeople who get the lights on and the machines running. They plan, install, upgrade, maintain, and repair the electrical systems that bring heat, light, communication, and power to all kinds of new buildings.

And the demand for their expertise is expected to grow. According to BuildForce Canada, the construction industry in Ontario will need more than 15,000 new workers between 2022 and 2027.

Thinking about riding that wave and becoming a construction electrician? Curious about what you'd actually do at work?

In this post, we break down the most typical day-to-day tasks of construction electricians. We also spoke with an experienced Hamilton-based construction electrician to get his take on the career.

Find out what to expect and see if this trade is a good choice for you.

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 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.

Updated December 2022

Should you become an electrician? If you look at it from an employment and salary angle, the answer is easy.

Electricians have been in steady demand across Ontario for the past several years—and the trend is expected to continue.

Construction projects in Ontario cities are creating plenty of jobs for electricians. Government is investing in education, healthcare, and transit building projects, and there are many condos going up in urban centres throughout the province.

Salaries for electricians are also going strong. The median wage for electricians in Ontario right now is $30.77 per hour, or about $64,000 a year.

At the high end of the pay scale, electricians are making $47.50 per hour—that's over $98,000 a year. (Salary information is based on the latest report from the Government of Canada Job Bank.)

But it's not all about money.

To do well in electrician training, and feel happy in your career, you'll need a certain set of professional and personal skills.

So let's take a look at eight of the most important skills for successful electricians.

By the time you reach number eight, you'll have a much better idea of whether this trade is right for you (plus some helpful links and steps to take next). Let's get started.

Updated May 2023

Did you know that the voltage and available electrical current in a regular home or business has enough power to cause death by electrocution?

The truth is, all electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Your body is a natural conductor of electricity and is vulnerable to electrical shocks and burns.

These include thermal burns that affect both the external skin and internal tissues—and arc blasts that can cause your lungs to collapse, or muscles to contract, causing a serious fall. Direct contact with energized conductors or circuit parts can interfere with the brain, make it difficult to breathe, or even stop your heart.

Working with electricity is serious business!

If you're taking electrician training or about to begin an apprenticeship, these are eight essential safety measures to know and respect.

Faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of property damage and serious injury due to fire. Many fires in Canada are caused by bad wiring—brought on by poor maintenance and incorrectly installed components.

Overly confident homeowners attempting DIY electrical projects are one part of the problem. Another issue is lack of knowledge regarding wiring safety procedures and danger signs.