Overview

Fast-track your career as an electrician with our intensive twelve-week, full-time Pre-employment Electrician program.

This course is perfect for those eager to enter the electrical trade but face challenges securing employment.

In this program, you will:

  • learn the foundational theories and principles of electrical work that are essential for a first-year electrician apprentice
  • develop hands-on skills in basic wiring techniques to ensure you can contribute effectively from day one of your apprenticeship
  • receive critical training in safety practices to ensure personal and workplace safety when handling electrical systems
  • get a feel for the real-world tasks you will perform on the job through labs and workshops.
Graduate with the confidence and capability to enter directly into an apprenticeship, equipped with practical skills and knowledge. Prepare to challenge the first-year Electrician apprenticeship exam, positioning you to move forward in your career quickly.

Graduates benefit from a high employment rate due to the demand for skilled electricians in various industries. The program is closely aligned with industry needs, ensuring the skills you learn are what employers are looking for.

As an electrician, you’ll work in various settings, from residential to commercial and industrial projects. You’ll have the opportunity to advance to supervisory positions, project management or run your own contracting businesses. 

With dedicated instructors, a supportive learning environment and a focus on employability, you are just twelve weeks away from a new path to the skilled trades.

Electricians tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

  • communication and reading skills
  • an aptitude for math
  • mechanical ability
  • physical strength and stamina
  • the ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring
  • the ability to plan and organize
  • the ability to work in high places
  • the ability to get along well with co-workers
  • the ability to coach and mentor
  • the ability to do precision work
  • problem-solving and computer skills.
If you install or maintain equipment in homes or businesses, you should enjoy keeping a neat appearance and dealing with customers. 

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Electrician curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Electrician apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Electrician certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

salary icon $48,500 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22310, 72011, 72200, 72201, 72202, 72203, 72204, 72205, 74204, 90011, 92100.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Electrician certificate requires 15 credits (4 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

3

This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

6

This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

3

This course covers materials in Sections 1 to 4 of the Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 0314 (2014) of the Electrician Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • Math 20-1, Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, AND,
  • English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2, AND,
  • Science 10

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,330 $159 $6,489
Total cost:
$6,489

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Additional technology requirements

You'll need a SHARP EL-520X calculator, which is recommended by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

You'll need CSA-approved steel-toed boots or shoes as well as one pair of safety glasses.

Required equipment and tools

You'll need a:

  • Staedtler electric/electronic symbols 977/116 template
  • Staedtler metric scaling ruler with 1:50 scale
  • Pre-employment Electrician hand tools box (Milwaukee) 
  • All of these items will be available for purchase from the SAIT Bookstore. 

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,330 $157 $6,487
Total cost:
$6,487

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information 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 us

MacPhail School of Energy

Phone
403.284.8451
Email
macphail.students@sait.ca