Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations

What they do?

Power system electricians work on electric power distribution system equipment/apparatus.

A. Telecommunications line and cable workers work on lines/cables.

B. Telecommunications installation and repair workers work on telephones as well as telephone switching, computer, data, voice, and other telecommunications equipment.

C. Cable television service and maintenance technicians work on cable television signal and associated equipment in buildings.

D. Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain, and repair overhead/underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Where they find work?

1. Construction - 41.0%
2. Information and cultural industries - 18.0%
3. Mining - unspecified - 10.0%
4. Paper manufacturing - 2.0%
5. Transportation and warehousing - 2.0%
6. Public administration - 2.0%
7. Primary metal manufacturing - 2.0%

What education do I need?

1. To work in this field, you need a high school diploma.

2. To gain trade certification, you usually need to complete an apprenticeship program or have a combination of experience/courses. Trade certification is required for some occupations in some or all areas of Canada.

3. To work in most telecommunications occupations, you need a high school diploma. Many employers request a trade/vocational or community college diploma. Professional certification is available in most telecommunications occupations in this group.

4. Qualified tradespersons may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification, which provides job mobility throughout the country.

5. In some occupations, you need college or other courses in electronics/electrical technology, experience or on-the-job training or apprenticeship training.

6. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma and almost 2 in 5 have a trade/vocational certificate.

High School Subject that will help:

1. Math
2. Drafting
3. Computer-related courses
4. Industrial Arts (Electricity)

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations is $22.30/HR, which is above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Unemployment:

6% of Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at an average rate.

2. Hourly wages ($22.30) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.

3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be average because of a growing energy sector that should require electrical power line workers and power system electricians.

2. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (62%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Maintenance

2. Repair

3. Diagrams/drawings

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Men vs Women

Men vs Women: