Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Contractors and Supervisors

(NOC 7202)

in All Trades and Transportation

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Electricians, Industrial electricians, Power system electricians, Electrical power line and cable workers, Telecommunications line and cable workers, Telecommunications installation and repair workers and Cable television service and maintenance technicians. They work for a wide range of businesses; places of employment are indicated in the above group descriptions. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job Outlook

Good

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  • Estimate Strong growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 155 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

  • Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$20.00

Minimum

$35.64

Median

$51.58

Maximum

Annual Pay

$10,042

Minimum

$64,239

Median

$160,940

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Electricians, Industrial electricians, Power system electricians, Electrical power line and cable workers, Telecommunications line and cable workers, Telecommunications installation and repair workers and Cable television service and maintenance technicians. They work for a wide range of businesses; places of employment are indicated in the above group descriptions. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

  • Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
  • Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments or subcontractors.
  • Request materials and supplies.
  • Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
  • Train or arrange for training of workers.
  • Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
  • Make sure standards for safe working conditions are met.
  • Prepare work progress reports.
  • May manage their own companies.
  • May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
  • Small businesses' contractors may carry out tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

  • cable maintenance and repair supervisor
  • construction electricians foreperson
  • electrical contractor
  • industrial electrical systems foreperson
  • industrial electricians foreperson
  • plant electrician supervisor
  • power line and cable workers foreperson
  • power system electrician foreperson
  • residential electrician supervisor
  • telecommunication installation and repair worker foreperson

Skills

  • You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are necessary. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

  • High school is usually required.
  • Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a relevant trade are required.
  • Journeyman/woman trade certification in a relevant trade is required.

Other considerations

  • Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is some movement among jobs within a specific trade, however, there is little or no inter-trade movement among supervisors.

By the numbers

Quick look

375

employed in 2016

98.7%

employed full-time

22.7%

self employed

2.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
97.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
49.4

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

42.5%

Halifax

$74,562 median annual income
19.2%

Annapolis Valley

$45,014 median annual income
15.1%

Cape Breton

$54,709 median annual income
13.7%

North Shore

$79,674 median annual income
9.6%

Southern

$33,040 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

63.8%

Construction

10.3%

Utilities

6.9%

Information and cultural industries

5.2%

Public administration

3.4%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

What is the age of Employment?

25.0%

35-44

23.0%

45-54

22.0%

55-64

18.0%

25-34

10.0%

65+

3.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

44.0%

Trade Certification

$60,462 median annual income
33.3%

College Diploma

$74,275 median annual income
12.0%

High school

$25,298 median annual income
5.3%

Bachelor

N/A
2.7%

Less than high school

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income
25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income
22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income
18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income
2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

Computer Engineering - General

University Program

These programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. They include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia

Lakeside, NS

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Industrial Electronics Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. They include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.

There are no schools in Nova Scotia offering this program.

Lineworker

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair local, long-distance, and rural electric power cables and communication lines; erect and construct pole and tower lines; and install underground lines and cables. They include courses in cable installation and repair, fibre-optic technology, trenching, mobile equipment and crane operation, high-voltage installations, maintenance and inspection, safety, remote communications, and applicable codes and standards.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Trade Certification

Certificate of Qualification: Certification in a related designated trade is required to work in this job.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Halifax, NS

Contacts

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canada
Various, NS
Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, NS
BuildForce Canada
Ottawa, ON
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Halifax, NS
Nova Scotia Power
Halifax, NS

Additional resources