Work With Polar

Are you trying to decide whether to pursue a career path in the trades? We might be biased, but we think becoming a licensed electrician is a great option. For starters, our way of life in the 21st century means that electrical systems will not disappear anytime soon. It’s also predicted that we’ll face a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, in both Alberta and Canada in the near future. If you’ve considered becoming a tradesperson or are looking for a career change, we think that now is the optimal time to become an electrician in Alberta.

Why It’s Great to Be an Electrician

Electricians have plenty of career path opportunities to choose from, especially in Alberta, which is known for industry and innovation. Qualified electricians can work anywhere from residential buildings to commercial sites to industrial locations. If you like variety and travel, then it might be the ideal profession for you. At Polar Electric, we think some of the best parts of the job include building essential infrastructure, solving complex and exciting problems, learning new things, and making clients happy.

Who Is Suited to Be an Electrician?

While the employment possibilities are plenty for electricians, we know that the profession is not ideal for everyone. There are several vital qualities that we believe an electrician should have if they want to be successful.

Willing to Learn

A successful electrician will not be afraid to sit in a classroom and learn about electrical system safety, nor will they be reluctant to take courses on new technologies. Humans are continuously inventing new devices. It’s our job as electricians to stay informed and up-to-date on how to install and service those new systems properly.

Effective Communication 

Master electricians are excellent communicators. They let their co-workers know exactly what is needed on the job site and in the office. They’re also great at communicating with clients, whether they’re residential homeowners or corporate representatives. We know from experience that electrical projects run smoother when everyone communicates clearly and effectively.

Mental and Physical Aptitude

Working with electricity requires skill and know-how. The study of electrical systems involves an aptitude for physics and math in order to safely and accurately perform the job. Electrical work also requires hand-eye coordination, confidence in tight spaces, and sometimes the ability to work at great heights. Electrical wires are colour-coded, and for safety reasons, electricians need to be able to see those different coloured wires.

Reliability

The best electricians are both skilled at their work and dedicated to their profession. Being reliable and showing up on time for the job is essential for success in any trade. An electrician’s position does not always have regular hours. Emergencies happen, and electricians need to show up to solve the problem, day or night, rain or shine.

Team Player

Even if you’re a private contractor, we electricians rarely work in isolation. The electrical portion of a job site is usually just one layer of a multi-dimensional project. Great electricians can work alongside other electricians as well as people in different trades and project management roles.

The Education Required to Be an Electrician

In Alberta, to work as an electrician you must be a registered electrical apprentice, an Alberta-certified journeyperson, or someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate. To register with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training program, each apprentice must find a suitable employer willing to hire and train them, such as Polar Electric Contracting. In order to qualify for electrical apprenticeship training, applicants must also meet one of three requirements:

• Pass an entrance exam
• Have a passing grade in all five Canadian Educational Development tests (GEDs)
• Have an Alberta high school diploma transcript with a minimum of English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent.

The electrical apprenticeship in Alberta lasts four years (four 12-month periods). During their first three years, electrical apprentices must complete a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year. In their fourth year, electrical apprentices must complete a minimum of 1,440 hours of on-the-job training and 12 weeks of technical training. Once their education and training are complete, electrical apprentices must pass a provincial certification exam. Electrical apprentices may also attempt the Interprovincial Exam, and if successful, they will get a Red Seal.

What to Expect From the Job

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial locations. Depending on the type of project, we typically work full-time hours consisting of forty hours a week during a five-day workweek. We’re also often required to travel to various locations, including other cities, across regions, or into remote areas. Electrical work can vary from indoors to outdoors, in small spaces to high locations, to clean residential homes to dirty open areas. The job site really depends on what type of project. As a new electrician you should keep these possibilities in mind when trying to find a job in the field.

How to Be the Best In Our Field

Not all electricians are on the same level. In order to be the best in our field, you should have a passion for the profession, especially if you’re working for yourself or a small business. The best electricians in the field like to stay informed on new electrical trends, are open to asking more senior electricians for advice, and are dedicated to putting in the hours to gain experience. A great electrician is always willing to learn new skills.

Our clients are the reason we’re in business, which is why we recommend keeping them in mind when striving to reach the top of our field. Ensuring your customer is informed and satisfied during each project will improve your reputation in your community. Being responsive, on time, and professional will also help build your credibility and encourage your customers to refer you to their family and friends. Word of mouth referrals will grow your business far faster than any paid advertisement can.

Hiring Talented Electricians in Alberta

Polar Electric Contracting provides high-quality commercial and residential electrical services to clients in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. We hire talented electricians who are committed to delivering high-quality service that meets our standards. If this sounds like you, we invite you to reach out to inquire about possible openings.