Construction Electricians
(NOC 7241)
in All Trades and TransportationConstruction electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems that are designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signals, or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures, and premises. Construction electricians may specialize in construction, maintenance, or other types of electrical work, or in specific types of installations like residential, commercial, or institutional. Construction electricians may work for electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other institutions, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: large, with job openings occurring regularly
Demand: expected to rise between 2021 and 2023 due to increased activity in the construction sector, with the growth in new home construction and the start of several large hospital projects
Job openings: increase expected in the coming years due to both employment growth and retirements. Jobs may be either permanent or temporary positions as both are common.
Work hours: full-time hours, normally
Self-employment: a portion of the workforce is self-employed, which may appeal to some people’s interests/motivations.
Strong growth in the construction industry, especially in the Halifax region, has resulted in high demand for many skilled trades. Demand is highest for full-trained journeymen. Fewer opportunities are available for apprentices or those with less experience.
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$25.00
Median$38.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,355
Minimum$43,569
Median$84,770
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Construction electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems that are designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signals, or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures, and premises.
Construction electricians may specialize in construction, maintenance, or other types of electrical work, or in specific types of installations like residential, commercial, or institutional.
Construction electricians may work for electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other institutions, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are included in this group.
Job duties
Construction Electricians:
- Read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to verify wiring layouts for new or existing installations
- Pull wire through conduits and through holes in walls and floors
- Install brackets and hangers to support electrical equipment
- Cut, thread, bend, assemble, and install conduits and other types of electrical conductor enclosures and fittings
- Position, maintain, and install distribution and control equipment like switches, relays, circuit breaker panels, and fuse enclosures
- Splice, join and connect wire to form circuits
- Test circuits to ensure compatibility and safety of system
- Install, replace, maintain, and repair electrical systems and related electrical equipment
- Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components
- Install data cabling
- Install and maintain fibre optic systems
- Install, replace, maintain, and repair renewable power sources like wind, solar, and related equipment
- Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records
Sample job titles
- apprentice electrician
- building construction electrician
- construction and maintenance electrician
- construction electrician
- electrical wiring installer - construction
- electrician
- residential construction wirer
Skills
- physical strength and stamina
- problem solving skills
- an aptitude for math
- mechanical ability
- the ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring
- the ability to plan and organize
- the ability to do precision work
- the ability to work in high places
- the ability to follow instructions
- the ability to work with tools
- the ability to get along well with co-workers
- the ability to interact with other trades, engineers, and inspectors
- the ability to coach and mentor
- communication skills including reading skills
- digital and computer skills for dealing with changing technologies, job performance, learning, and updating skills
- for those installing or maintaining equipment in homes or businesses, the ability to keep a neat appearance and deal with customers
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria
- Certification for construction electricians is compulsory in Nova Scotia
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for construction electricians
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: both indoors or outdoors, at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous settings
- Risks: shocks, industrial diseases, arc flashes, falls, and injury from repetitive motion, lifting, and kneeling
- Works with other trades, engineers, inspectors
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
- New technologies: solar power systems, wind power systems, tidal power systems, smart buildings, smart grids, electric vehicle charging stations
- Electricians may advance to positions like foremen, instructors, project managers, superintendents, estimators, technicians, system designers, and electrical inspectors, or may start their own contracting business.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$49,110 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$42,513 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$39,472 median annual incomeCape Breton
$38,433 median annual incomeSouthern
$41,772 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Public administration
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$49,878 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$40,967 median annual incomeHigh school
$33,948 median annual incomeBachelor
$34,509 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Construction Electrician
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system. A construction electrician apprenticeship prepares apprentices to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric equipment and systems like residential, commercial, and institutional electrical systems.
Institutions providing this program
Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs preapre students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. They include courses in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.