Construction Electrician: Citation (Foundation)

Description

This 24 week program prepares students for employment as a construction electrician apprentice.  Students will acquire breadth of knowledge and develop the necessary habits concerning safety, time and materials management, hand tools and power tools.  Various practical projects are performed in a shop environment to enhance students' skills in lay out, assembly, installation, testing, troubleshooting and repairing electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures.

Students who complete the Foundation program are eligible for ITA credit in Construction Electrician Level 1 apprenticeship and 350 work-based hours. 

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).  When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Electrical Apprenticeship in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4. 

Details on program dates are available on Kwantlen Course Search.

Student Profile

This program is suited for individuals that have strong mathematical and analytical skills, are detail oriented and enjoy troubleshooting.  Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of bending, reaching and hand-eye coordinated activities.  Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/electrical

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for employment by electrical contractors and the maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments.  Progression to supervisory positions or self-employment is possible; additional training and experience is recommended.

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Completion of KPU’s Trades reading test with a minimum score of 80%
• Mathematics:
  • Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Pre-calculus 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Trades Mathematics test with a minimum threshold percentage of 55%

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.
• International student Application for Admission requires approval of the Dean.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and a Disability Advisor at 604.599.3233 to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Curricular Requirements

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed according to the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) for the electrical trade to learn safe job-site practices, acquire appropriate work habits for the industry and learn to read codes and drawings used in the trade, and acquire the essential skills that underlie effective communication and professional attitudes.

Required Courses
	ELEC 1100	Basic Skills	2 credits
	ELEC 1110	Workplace Safety	1 credit
	ELEC 1120	Basic Electrical Theory	5 credits
	ELEC 1130	Code and Blueprint Reading	1 credit
	ELEC 1140	Electrical Controls	1 credit
	ELEC 1150	Installation of Low-Voltage Distribution Systems	10 credits

Students must achieve a minimum grade of 70%, which translates to B-, in the theory portion (ELEC 1100, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 cumulative), and the practical portion (ELEC 1150) of the program.

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate safety wear in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations which includes safety glasses, steel toed boots and hard hat.

A list of required tools will be provided by Admissions upon acceptance to the program; it is requested that students wait until the first week of class prior to purchasing.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Construction Electrician.

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.