vcc.ca
ELCO 4001: Construction Electrician Apprenticeship Level 4
Effective date
May 2026
Department
Construction Electrician Appr
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Building on foundational skills in power distribution and motor control, this course prepares students for Red Seal certification by covering advanced electrical systems and specialized installations. Students will engineer and maintain complex systems, including high-voltage applications, renewable energy sources, and emergency power generation. The curriculum emphasizes automation and sophisticated control, with in-depth training on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), building automation, and fire alarm systems. Expertise is further developed through practical application in unique environments, including the design and implementation of systems for hazardous locations.
Credits
16.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
Active STBC Apprentice Identification Number.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply fundamental electrical principles and workplace safety to analyze and interpret electronic circuits, technical plans, and specifications, including the identification of hazardous locations.
- Install, program, and maintain a variety of automated and control systems, including building automation, traffic signals, and other non-rotating equipment with associated controls.
- Install and maintain specialized power systems, including power conditioning, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), surge suppression, and renewable energy generating and storage systems.
- Install and maintain high-voltage systems and branch circuitry, with a focus on specialized applications such as airport runway lighting.
- Install and maintain critical signaling systems to ensure life safety and security, including fire alarm, security, and surveillance systems.
- Install and maintain diverse communication systems, encompassing voice/data/video (VDV) infrastructures and specialized systems like nurse call stations.
- Demonstrate effective work organization and project management skills for the successful installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
- Perform comprehensive installation and maintenance procedures for a wide range of electrical systems, ensuring adherence to industry standards and project specifications.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Methods of assessment may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 188
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 62
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 50
Total Hours: 300
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 62
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 50
Total Hours: 300
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, simulations, problem solving, practical activities and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Passing grade
70
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
|
Assignments |
30 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
|
Course topics
- Electrical Systems & Workplace Safety
- Power Quality and Backup Systems: UPS and Surge Suppression
- Renewable Energy Generation and Storage Solutions
- High Voltage Systems and Specialized Branch Circuits
- Life Safety and Security Signalling Systems
- Communication and Data Infrastructure
- Automated Control and Building Management Systems
- Electrical Codes, Plans, and Project Management
- System Maintenance and Advanced Troubleshooting
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.