Program Length
- 24 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Launch your career as a certified electrician
Are you looking for a well-paid career that gives your brain a workout? Electricians are a vital part of the building industry and work at the forefront of change. Electricians lead the trades in building automation and controls, and renewable energy systems.
The VIU Electrician Foundation prepares you to be a leader in the field, mastering building automation, controls and renewable energy systems. And we work with industry partners to make sure you learn the skills employers look for.
Gain real-world experience
In this electrician level 1 program, you get hands-on training in residential, commercial and industrial labs. And our strong connections with local contractors and businesses means you start building your professional network while you’re a student.
The program features an industry work experience placement. This is your chance to put your learning into action. More than 70 percent of our students get permanent employment from their work experience placements.
Sign up to learn more
Electrician career options
The foundation program prepares you for an entry-level position in commercial, residential or industrial settings. If you choose to do an apprenticeship next, you are on your way to becoming a certified electrician. You can work as an independent contractor or find work with any number of businesses. You can become a technician with a specialization like renewable energy systems or building automation. You can also do inspections and home warranty work.
Hands-on training in electrical systems
Lab training
Hands-on training in residential, commercial and industrial labs equipped with the latest technology.
Work experience
Gain real-world experience in an industry work placement or co-op.
Projects
Put your training into action with hands-on class projects.
About the Electrician Foundation program
Foundation training prepares you for an entry level position in the electrical trade. You gain a solid foundation in the planning, assembly and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. You get an introduction to working in a variety of settings:
- residential
- commercial
- industrial
- marine facilities
When you finish the program, you receive a VIU certificate and SkilledTradesBC Electrician Level I certification. You also get credit toward the technical portion of the first year of the Electrical Apprenticeship program.
What you learn in VIU’s electrician foundation program
In this program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in electrical theory, principles and practices. You learn to work with electrical systems and equipment.
Problem-solving skills
Through hands-on projects and troubleshooting exercises, you’ll enhance your ability to analyze problems, identify solutions and do effective repairs.
Communication and collaboration
You learn to communicate well with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, fostering teamwork and collaboration in professional settings.
The main topics covered in this program are:
- electrical theory and principles
- electrical codes and regulations
- wiring methods and installations
- electrical troubleshooting and maintenance
- renewable energy systems
- automation and control systems
Courses and Concentrations
| Electrician Program |
|---|
| Essential Skills |
| ELEF 111T - (Apply Circuit Concepts 1) |
| ELEF 121T - (Apply Circuit Concepts 2) |
| ELEF 131T - (Trade Safety, Organization and Communication) |
| ELEF 141T - (Install and Maintain Electrical Components & Systems) |
| ELEF 151T - (Work Experience) |
| ESFE 100T - (Personal Management Skills) |
| ESFE 105T - (Trades Math) |
| ESFE 110T - (Business Operations) |
| ESFE 115T - (The Emerging Workplace) |
| ESFE 120T - (Employment Strategies) |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
- Minimum 17 years of age.
- Minimum grade "C" in English 11 or Technical and Professional Communications 12.
- Minimum grade of "C" in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, or Pre-calculus 11.
- Valid BC driver’s license.
- Successful completion of assessment testing.
- See also Trades general admission requirements.
Recommendations for Admission
- English 12, Mathematics 12, and Physics 12
Notes on Admission
- Those with a good reasoning, basic science, mathematical, and study skills will experience the most success.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 months x $509.18 per month) | 3,055.08 |
| Lab fee | 329.88 |
| Student Activity fee (6 months x $20.37 per month) | 122.22 |
| Student Services fee (6 months x $22.49 per month) | 134.94 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (6 months x $38.87 per month) | 233.22 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies (approximate costs) |
1,300.00 |
| Total | 5,460.34 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing | Nanaimo | February 2, 2026 (Full); September 8, 2026(Full), November 2026(Full) |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Electrician program has three intakes per year: September, November and February.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jennifer Calder Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jennifer.Calder@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Shane Dalager Email: Shane.Dalager@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Students will be added to the wait list once their application is complete.
Comments:
Vancouver Island University’s Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology Department is administering a self-assessment test which will be emailed out to applicants after they have applied.
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Red Seal apprenticeship and certification
To complete the apprenticeship and earn a Red Seal endorsement, you must find an employer in the industry to provide the on-the-job training. And you take 10 weeks in-school training per year in each of the next three years.
Try an electrician class for yourself
Curious about what it might be like to join us at VIU? You can shadow a class and get a taste of the Electrician program.
Email the program chair to arrange to shadow a class.
Amanda Dawe
“I’ve found it positive to be challenged to truly understand the material, not just pass the tests. My classes have been a place of inclusion and provide an enriching learning environment. I have had the pleasure of instructors who push you to a complete understanding of the trade -- to know the theory and not just memorize.”