Did you know Red Seal electricians can earn $60,000 or more a year?
You can explore this career path by taking the Electrician Level 1 Apprenticeship program offered by the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District (SD42).
The popular program of choice, which is a partnership between the school district and BCIT, gives students the opportunity to complete Grade 12 graduation requirements while earning post-secondary credits and certification in the electrical field.
During the 24-week program at Garibaldi Secondary, students gain the theory and practical skills needed to enter the electrical trade as soon as they graduate from high school.
“The opportunity in the electrical workforce is just so vast,” explained instructor Ruthanne Grone. “There are so many areas students can go in the industry – everything from house wiring to fiber-optics, cell towers, industrial and commercial – it’s so diverse. Right now the skill is in high demand.”
Working in a variety of work environments, electrical workers plan, assemble, install, test repair and maintain electrical equipment and systems.
The career path to becoming a Red Seal electrician begins with the Level 1 foundation program offered at SD42 and continues with a combination of accumulated hours in the workplace and classroom over a four-year period, culminating with taking an inter-provincial test to earn certification – which is called the Red Seal.
“Given the increased awareness of trades and trades training in British Columbia parents and students are realizing the financial and personal successes that a skilled trade can provide,” said Brad Dingler, SD42’s secondary school apprenticeship and trades coordinator.
“The reality of many skilled trades in today’s ever-evolving workforce is reflected in both high academic rigor and technical skill. Our electrical program is a reflection of how the trades are changing. Courses like physics in combination with high grades and an excellent attendance record are all requirements in order to enter into SD42’s electrical apprenticeship program.”
SD42’s Electrician Level 1 Apprenticeship program only accepts approximately 16 students each year and typically receives about twice that many applications.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 70 percent to stay in the program.
“Academically this is one of the most challenging trades,” Grone said, noting that math is particularly important. “You have to work really hard in this program. Becoming a well-paid, certified electrician is the big incentive.”
SD42 empowers students to discover their unique learning paths by offering more than 30 specialized programs of choice, from International Baccalaureate and sports academies to trades and technology. Download our Programs of Choice booklet.
