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Overview
Learn to test, rebuild and repair electric motors, generators, transformers, controllers and related electrical and mechanical equipment used in commercial, industrial and institutional establishments.
In general, electrical motor systems technicians:
- diagnose problems and dismantle electric motors, transformers, switchgear, electric welders, generators and other electrical and mechanical equipment for servicing, modification or repair
- remove and replace shafts, bearings, commutates and other components, referring to blueprints or service manuals as required
- wind and assemble various types of coils for electric motors or transformers and reinstall them
- balance armatures or rotors, weld and braze or solder electrical connections, and align and adjust parts to close tolerances to reassemble items
Electrical motor systems technicians maintain the electric motors and related equipment used to power machinery and equipment in various applications such as production plants and large businesses.
Electrical motor systems technicians are individuals who are self-motivated and mechanically inclined people. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy problem-solving and working with their hands.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- good attention to details and a desire to do high-quality work
- enjoyment in finding solutions to tricky problems
- interest in keeping up with new and advancing technology
- a friendly attitude and a willingness to prioritize helping customers
- strong ability to work with machines and tools, and good hand-eye coordination
- physical strength and energy to lift heavy items, more than 25 kilograms
- a strong commitment to staying safe and healthy while working
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded an advanced diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22310, 22311, 22312, 72011, 72200, 72201, 72422, 94201.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for an electrical motor systems technician is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction at SAIT in the first three years.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety and trade math. You will then learn electrical theory, electrical machines, circuit controls and electronics.
Year 2 | Period 2
You will learn about alternating currents, single-phase motors, control circuits, single-phase electronics and transformers.
Yeah 3 | Period 3
You will learn three-phase electrical principles, three-phase motor winding, program logic controllers and electrical code applications.
Year 4 | Period 4
You will learn DC machines, three-phase motor starters and controllers, synchronous machines, three-phase electronics as well as troubleshooting and analysis of electrical equipment.
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each period is no less than 50% in each course with no less than a 65% average overall. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
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