Gain hands-on skills to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial electrical systems. Start your path toward an electrician apprenticeship with a solid foundation in the trade.
This program qualifies for Level 1 technical training credit for Construction Electrician through SkilledTradesBC.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply electrical theories and principles to workplace applications
- Install electrical systems and equipment according to Canadian Electrical Code specifications
- Interpret and apply appropriate sections of the Canadian Electrical Code to electrical installations
- Utilize proper safety procedures and personal protective equipment
- Maintain and troubleshoot basic electrical systems and components
- Use electrical test equipment to analyze circuit performance
- Interpret electrical drawings, diagrams, and specifications
- Apply basic concepts of mechanics, magnetism, and electronics to electrical work
- Demonstrate professional communication and job search skills
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 24 weeks in length. Students have a maximum of three (3) years to complete the program.
Lecture, group work, case studies, discussions, presentations, guest speakers, online activities.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Composition 11 (English 11) with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
- Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
OR
Department assessment of mechanical reasoning
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Program Considerations
Tasks involve precise hand-eye coordination and frequent use of hand and power tools.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses.
Students may complete up to 65% of the total credits of the program through PLAR and/or transfer credit. Please see individual course outlines for PLAR details. Tuition and fees apply to PLAR. Methods for assessing prior learning may include portfolios and interviews.
If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.
International Students should contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELCO 1100 | Applied Mechanics | 4 |
| ELCO 1110 | Fundamentals of Electricity | 6 |
| ELCO 1120 | Principles of Magnetism | 3 |
| ELCO 1130 | Wiring Methods 1 | 4 |
| ELCO 1135 | Wiring Methods 2 | 4 |
| ELCO 1200 | Electrical Code, Plans and Specifications | 6.5 |
| ELCO 1210 | AC Circuit Analysis | 2 |
| ELCO 1220 | Electronic Devices | 2 |
| ELCO 1230 | Basic Motor Control | 3 |
| ELCO 1240 | Computer Skills and Job Preparation | 3 |
| Total Credits | 37.5 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 9243 | |
| Student union | 145 | |
| College initiative | 111 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 185 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 282 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Entrance award
January and September intakes of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.