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.
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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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.
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.”