Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design systems and equipment to be installed into facilities. Engineers review new products and technologies, and specify which will be supplied/installed by a contractor building the facility. The contractor builds from the engineer’s design.

The Electrical Consulting Engineer is part of a design team usually involving an architect, structural engineer, and mechanical engineer. They design systems to meet the requirements of building/facility users, occupants and owners. Electrical engineers also: document designs using AutoCad computer drafting; review and specify materials and systems to be installed into buildings; and take professional responsibility that designs meet code.

The Electrical Engineer also reviews the contractor’s work during construction to ensure compliance with design documents and applicable building codes.

Education/Professional Requirements for the Electrical Engineer

• Bachelor of Applied Science or Engineering Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering from an accredited university (4-5 years, dependent on the university)
• Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (or the equivalent in the province or country of practice).

WorkBC Profile Link

• Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical Distributor

A distributor is a link between the manufacturer and the end user. The distributor passes on extensive product knowledge, understands its customer’s business and carries the inventory necessary to service the industry. A distributor is the primary channel of electrical products to the end user.

Different jobs opportunities available with a distributor are: warehouse; counter sales; inside sales; quotations/projects; marketing; accounting; purchasing; product specialists (lighting, wire & cable, telecom, etc.); and outside sales representatives.

Education Requirements for the Electrical Distributor

• Most distributors require a minimum of Grade 12.
• Post secondary education at a university or technical institute may be necessary or an asset to be employed in some of the above listed positions.

Manufacturer

Over 300 different manufacturers of electrical products can be found in British Columbia. Every manufacturer has sales support in B.C. in the form of direct manufacturers or manufacturers' agents. Most of these manufacturers have plants in eastern Canada or the United States. Many of them have numerous plants located throughout the world. However, about 15 manufacturers have plants here in B.C.

There are numerous and varied positions available in manufacturing, depending on the size and needs of the company. There are two main functions - sales and manufacturing.

Jobs available in sales with a manufacturer include: outside sales; inside sales; quotations; support staff; management; and marketing. Positions available in manufacturing include: Cad operators and designers; wiremen; technicians; assembly; management; accountant; support staff; shippers and receivers.

Manufacturing is a growing industry with a lot of opportunity for advancement and career path changes.

Education Requirements for the Manufacturer

• Educational requirements for employment with a manufacturer vary depending on what area you are looking to enter.
• While some areas require little background or experience, others require computer skills, university, or technical training.

Electrician

Electricians install and repair electrical wiring and related equipment in buildings. Because electricity is used for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security and communications, electricians need to be proficient in many applications of electricity. They are employed by electrical contractors, maintenance departments of large institutions such as hospitals or industrial plants, or they may be self-employed. Electrician apprentices are included in this group.

Electricians work on new construction sites and on renovations to existing buildings. They ensure that all electrical connections are safe and meet the electrical code.

Electricians interpret architectural drawings and electrical code specifications at construction sites. They install lighting fixtures and electrical equipment as well as connect electrical wire to fixtures and components to form circuits, according to the plans. Also, they test circuits to ensure the compatibility and safety of systems. In many cases, they are called on to troubleshoot faults in electrical and electronic systems as well as to connect sound and visual communication equipment, signaling devices and heating and cooling systems. At some sites, they conduct preventive maintenance programs.

Education and Training Requirements for an Electrician

• To work as an electrician in B.C., it is necessary to hold a Certificate or Qualification in the trade, or be registered in a four-year apprenticeship that will lead to qualification.
• The Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission (ITAC) recommends that all secondary school students planning to become an apprentice complete a grade 12 education that includes appropriate English, mathematics and science courses.

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• Electricians

Electrical Utility

An Electrical Utility ensures that the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity is planned for and executed safely and efficiently.

Job opportunities with an electrical utility are very broad. Some of the positions within a utility are: line person; cable splicer; electrician; mechanic; meter reader; operator/area dispatch; power line technician; telecontrol technician; accounting/finance; and customer service. Careers are also available in the emerging fields of information technology, electricity trading, environmental science, occupational safety and health, and marketing.

Education Requirements for an Electrical Utility

• Educational requirements for jobs at an electrical utility vary as greatly as the diversity of the positions listed above. Some positions require little educational background, while others might require a university degree.
• Many of the positions provide on the job training.

Other Occupations in the Electrical Industry