The 24-week Electrical Worker certificate program covers the basic concepts of safety, code electrical construction and maintenance. You will be immersed in the lab and quickly develop some of the basic skills required to be successful as a tradesperson dealing with commercial-type wiring methods, polyphase systems, power distribution systems, industrial electronics, and the introduction to rotation electrical equipment

What will I get out of UFV’s Electrical Worker program?
You will learn the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to begin an entry-level job in the electrical field and pursue formal apprenticeship opportunities within the electrical trade. The electrical program will provide a firm foundation for continued studies within this area if you choose.

What type of career can I expect?
Graduates of UFV’s Electrical Worker program will be well prepared to enter the electrical trade as apprentices. As an electrical apprentice you will learn to install, maintain, and repair many types of electrical equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial establishments in a manner that complies with the Canadian electrical code. You will also learn to install, connect, and test electrical wiring systems for light, heat, and power.

Sounds good. What do I need to get in?
You’ll need your B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent and must pass a math and reading comprehension entrance exam. Due to the very nature of the electrical worker trade, you need to be well-organized and have a systematic approach to evaluating or troubleshooting electrical wiring. You’ll also need to have good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. If you’re colour blind, this might not be the career for you as it might prove to be restrictive in training and possible employment.

Anything else I need to know?

Our Electrical Worker certificate program is located in the Trades and Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park. The centre in Chilliwack is open 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and classes and shops can be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The 24-week program requires continuous attendance. You are expected to attend all classes for the duration of the entire program. If you fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in your individual program guide, you might be subject to a failing grade or academic warning.

When should I apply?

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.

How much will it cost?
Expect to pay about program fees of about $115.01 per week; this covers tuition plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. As an Electrical Work student, you should also budget about $700 for required textbooks and $150 for clothing. We require a deposit (currently $200) to be paid when you register, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester. The balance of your fees must be paid by the second week of the semester.

In addition, each semester (fall and winter) you will be required to pay a $30 Student Union Society membership fee, a $35 SUS capital fee, $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee, a $3 per semester radio station fee and a $40 U-Pass fee. A Health and Dental fee $160 is charged annually each fall semester to students to provide extended medical and dental insurance. You can check with the Student Union Society or at www.IHaveA Plan.ca for details.

It’s also worth a visit to the UFV financial aid and awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of approximately $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget.

 I’m interested. What should I do next?
Contact the Trades Centre call 604-847-5450 or email trades@ufv.ca.  Next, download an application form and submit it, along with the $45 application fee to any UFV Admissions and Records office or centre. You can also transmit it through the Internet at www.pas.bc.ca. If you’re currently in Grade 12, you can apply now, but we require a statement from your school counsellor or principal indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June.

UFV allows High Shool students to complete this UFV program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year.  For more information, contact your district/school career counsellor.  You may also contact UFV's Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

The Electrical Apprenticeship program is designed for people already working in the electrical trade and registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).  UFV offers all four levels of technical training. These 10-week sessions are necessary to achieve journeyperson certification along with the appropriate on-the-job training.  . Call UFV at 1-888-504-7441 , local 5450 for more information or email us at .