Planning to enrol in an electrician program? Have you given any thought to what environment you'd like to work in or areas you'd like to specialize in as you progress in your career?

Electricians work in several different domains: domestic, commercial, and industrial.  Each path comes with its own unique challenges, technical demands, and specialized skills.

Updated October 2022

Demand for skilled tradespeople has risen sharply in Canada, due to Baby Boomers retiring and economic growth in most construction sectors.  Trades training is definitely a smart career path for students who want marketable skills and job opportunities after completing an apprenticeship.

But which trade should you pursue? If you're considering electrician training but aren't quite sure what this job entails (or if it's right for you), we've put together a short list of common troubleshooting issues electricians face on house calls.

These challenges range from simple to complex, and offer a window into the important work electricians do to keep our lives running smoothly—and protect us from harm.