Electrical Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• State of the art facilities. Our labs use new computers with state of the art simulation software, AC-DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, meters, and two framed mock-up buildings for hands on installations.
• Be recognized for what you know. On securing an apprenticeship, graduates will receive credit for the first year of their apprenticeship technical training. In addition, a time credit is granted toward the required time to complete the apprenticeship.
• A future of possibilities. Completion of an electrical apprenticeship and obtaining an Interprovincial (Red Seal) certification opens many doors and is the first step to a rewarding career. Obtaining additional certification in electronics will open doors to even higher paying positions. See also Electronics Technician Core and Industrial Automation Technician programs.
• Be in demand. Most employers prefer to hire individuals with foundation training, which also sets you on the path towards your apprenticeship.
• Industry recognized training. North Island College is an Industry Training Authority (ITA approved) training provider for this entry-level program in the Interprovincial Red Seal trade of construction or industrial electrician.

Program Highlights

The Electrical Foundation program, which consists of two blocks of training, provides students with strong technical knowledge while they develop the fundamental skills that electricians require.

During the first 8-week block, students gain generic trade skills and knowledge, preparing them for further study. In the second block, which lasts for 16 weeks, students participate in an enhanced year one Electrical apprenticeship training session. Here, they develop both the theoretical and practical skills required of a first-year apprentice.

Students learn the safe and correct use of common hand tools, power tools, and other equipment used in the trades, with particular emphasis on use in the electrical trade. They also learn basic theoretical and practical knowledge of residential and commercial wiring techniques; theoretical and practical knowledge of electrical codes; and a comprehensive knowledge of many of the electrical components used in the trade.

Graduates of the program possess a good theoretical understanding of electricity and many of its residential, commercial and industrial applications. 

Career Opportunities

You will find employment opportunities in residential, commercial and industrial electrical construction, electrical maintenance and service, industrial electrical and electronic process controls, marine electrical work, utilities and others. Career positions may include, but would not be limited to: construction electrician, industrial electrician, electrical maintenance and servicing and marine electrical servicing.

Construction electricians install equipment and wiring in new housing, shopping centres, condominiums, townhouses, office buildings, schools, hospitals, factories, processing plants, mills, mines, manufacturing plants, sub stations, etc. Industrial electricians perform maintenance, upgrades and process control modifications in all types of heavy and light industrial settings. Top paying jobs also require knowledge of computer applications and software, PLC systems and electronics (see Electronics Technician Core and Industrial Automation Technician programs).

Supply List

NIC is pleased to make tools available to students in exchange for a $100 refundable tool deposit, which is not included in your tuition. It will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration office.

Students are also required to provide the following list of supplies, except where noted as "optional":

Required

• Calculator – Sharp EL-520WBBK or equivalent
• HB pencils
• Highlite marker
• 1 set coloured pens or pencils
• Plastic rule – 12”
• protractor
• Binders
• Note paper
• Safety glasses
• Text books and learning guides – details provided at NIC Bookstore

Optional

• Coveralls
• Digital Multimeter CAT III minimum (see instructor)
• 1/4" engineers graph paper (1 pad) 
   

Admission Requirements

1. C+ in one of Provincial English 11, TPC 12, NIC ENG 052; or equivalent; or successful NIC English placement testing; and
2. Successful completion of the NIC Electrical Foundation Accuplacer assessment for Math; and
3. C in Physics 11 or NIC PHY 050; and
4. Successful assessment of mechanical and spatial reasoning. For more information, see the mechanical and spatial reasoning information sheet.

NOTE: The Accuplacer assessment covers Math skills taught in the following courses: Principles of Math 11, Applications of Math 12, Foundations 11, and pre-Calculus 11.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in science and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math, analytical, and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.
• The math pre-test link is a review exercise and can be used as an indicator of your current math skills. Should you find you need further support please contact our student services department about upgrading classes.
   

Program Requirements

• CPA-032 Introduction to Computers for Electrical Trades
• ELE-004 Workplace Safety & Basic Trade Tools
• ELE-005 Introduction to Blueprint Reading
• ELE-101 Electrical Trade Mathematics
• ELE-102 Electrical Trade Science
• ELE-104 Wiring Methods
• ELE-100 Year 1 – Technical Training

Completion Requirements

To pass the program you are required to attain a minimum average of 70% based on a weighted average of all courses.