Electrical Foundation

24-Week Certificate at Silver King, Nelson

Program Calendar

2012

• January 3 - Summer Program continues.
• January 26 - Summer Program ends.

• January 30 - Winter Program begins.
• April 20 - Graduation ceremonies.
• July 12 - Winter Program ends.

• August 7 - Summer Program begins.
• December 20  - Winter break.

2013

• January 2 - Summer Program continues.
• January 31 - Summer Program ends.

• February 4 - Winter Program begins.
• April 19 - Graduation ceremonies.
• July 18 - Winter Program ends.

• August 2013 - Summer Program begins. (Projected date)

Notes: Applicants are advised that this is a popular program. Prospective students should apply well in advance. Projected dates are subjected to change.

Program Objectives

The Electrical Foundation Program at Selkirk College prepares learners for entry level positions as apprentice electricians with electrical contracting companies involved in residential, commercial, and industrial construction in addition to positions with firms and institutions involved in any type of electrical work.

Students work and learn in classroom, laboratory, and shop environments where they develop the ability to access and utilize resource material, follow proper procedure and make sound decisions while properly installing and maintaining electrical equipment.

This program provides close contact with electrical industry employers and tradespeople throughout British Columbia through field visitations and employment placements.

The program addresses the need to cultivate generic skills such as good communications skills; ability to learn independently; social skills; ethics; positive attitudes; valuing diversity; responsibility; teamwork; ability to adapt to changing circumstances; thinking skills: problem-solving and research skills.

Graduates of the Electrical Foundation Program at Selkirk College are able to find employment as electrical apprentices engaged in the installation and maintenance of electrical power, lighting, heating, control, alarm, data and communication systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings as well as numerous other related fields.

Notes

Prospective students are advised that, due to the small size of the West Kootenay economy, only a very low percentage of Selkirk Electrical Entry graduates find apprenticeships locally. The majority find employment outside the Kootenays in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, Northeast BC, and Alberta. Employment success is greatly enhanced if graduates are willing to relocate.

Admission Requirements

• graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent,* with
• Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 12 with a “C” grade or better.
• completion of Principles of Math 12 and Physics 12 is recommended but not mandatory.
• all applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.

*Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not Senior Secondary School graduates provided they have completed or are in the process of obtaining Principles of Math 11 or equivalent with a “C” grade or better.  (This course must be completed prior to the program entry date.)

Employers may desire a higher level of Math and Physics as part of hiring policies.

A refundable tool deposit of $100 will be required at the start of the program.

Math Requirements

Career Potential

Employment in electrical trades is forecast to grow at about the average for all occupations through to 2011. About 1261 new jobs and an additional 1472 replacement jobs will become available as workers retire. This forecast reflects the historic relationship between population growth and construction activity and the generally good level of investment and housing activity.

Construction is the major industry employing workers in this occupational group. The construction industry is expected to grow at the rate of 1.6% per year between 2001 and 2011, which is slightly higher than the provincial average for all industries. Industry sources expect higher than average levels of residential construction and thus expect higher employment growth over the short term.

Because the construction industry employs such a large number of workers, there will be a significant number of openings for electricians in the long term, especially to replace an aging workforce.

Experienced electricians can progress to such supervisory positions as foreman, superintendent, estimator or electrical inspector. With some money and management skills, electricians can start their own contracting businesses.

Approximate Expenses

Total program expenses are comprised of both College Fees and Program Specific Fees.

Course of Studies

• Use Essential Skills
• Use Safe Work Practices
• Use Tools and Equipment
• Apply Circuit Concepts
• Use Test Equipment
• Read and Interpret Drawings and Manuals
• Apply the CEC, Regulations and Standards
• Install Low Voltage Distributions Systems
• Install Control Circuits