In the 18th and 19th centuries when Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were doing experiments with electricity, electricians were seen on par with magicians. Today, as an industrial electrician, your powers are needed in the energy industry. Industrial electricians install, repair and maintain electrical devices and equipment in a variety of operations and facilities. If this description amps you up, then a career as an industrial electrician may be for you.
Industrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment such as industrial controls, transmitters in low and medium voltage systems. They plan and lay out electrical systems based on technical specifications and drawings. They also interact with equipment operators to detect faulty equipment issues and with clients to plan electrical layout systems.
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Oil and gas
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $81,000 to $92,000
- Education High school diploma
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The nature of work as an industrial electrician in both the CCUS and emissions reduction sub-sectors of the cleantech industry is very similar to oil and natural gas. The skills and qualifications are directly transferable.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Primarily outdoor work (emissions reduction)
- Physical work (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Safety-sensitive environment (CCUS)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Rural location (CCUS | emissions reduction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Sub-sector Contracted and turnaround maintenance, Modular fabrication, Construction, Start-up and commissioning
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The nature of work as an industrial electrician in the industrial construction and maintenance in energy industry is very similar to oil and natural gas. The skills and qualifications are directly transferable.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (contracted and turnaround maintenance | modular fabrication | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Travel required (contracted and turnaround maintenance | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Work away from home/in camps (contracted and turnaround maintenance | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Primarily outdoor work (construction)
- Primarily indoor/office work (modular fabrication)
- Physical work (contracted and turnaround maintenance | modular fabrication | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (contracted and turnaround maintenance | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (contracted and turnaround maintenance | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (contracted and turnaround maintenance | modular fabrication | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Safety-sensitive environment (contracted and turnaround maintenance | modular fabrication | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Transition to a similar level (contracted and turnaround maintenance | modular fabrication | construction | start-up and commissioning)
- Rural location (contracted and turnaround maintenance | construction | start-up and commissioning)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The nature of work as an industrial electrician in digitization and automation in energy is very similar to oil and natural gas. The skills and qualifications are directly transferable.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to digitization and automation include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Travel required
- Work away from home/in camps
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Temporary/project-to-project work
- Freelance/contract opportunities
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The nature of work as an industrial electrician in LNG facility operation is very similar to oil and natural gas. The skills and qualifications are directly transferable.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Potential for relocation
- Physical work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Rural location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The nature of work as an industrial electrician in petrochemicals and refining is very similar to oil and natural gas. The skills and qualifications are directly transferable.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Physical work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Rural location
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Solar, Wind
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education High school diploma
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
While an industrial electrician may find little change between oil and natural gas and geothermal in renewables, certification and/or experience with solar panels and systems installation, maintenance and repair may be necessary to work in the solar sub-sector and those in wind need to be comfortable working at heights and have experience with rotating equipment.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in renewables may include:
- Installing and configuring solar panel systems. (solar)
- Inspecting, diagnosing, adjusting, servicing or repairing wind turbines, as well as adjusting or repairing electrical equipment and mechanical devices related to wind turbines. (wind)
In this occupation activities may include:
- Applying safe electrical practices
- Inspecting components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
- Maintaining, repairing and installing switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors, motor starters, contactors and other electrical components
- Repairing or adjusting equipment, machines or defective components and replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment
- Examining, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
- Consulting with customers, supervisors or engineers to plan the layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance
Education
- A high school diploma is typically required, along with completion of a four- or five-year industrial electrician apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes required technical training through an approved technical school.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Confined Space entry
- H2S Alive®
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Respiratory fit testing
- Aerial lift training
- Traffic control
- Arc flash training
Licensing
- Trade certification for Industrial Electricians is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.
- British Columbia and many other provinces and territories distinguish between Industrial Electricians and Electricians. To work as an industrial electrician, typically a person must be a registered apprentice, a provincially-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. Individuals possessing a valid recognized credential in Alberta are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified Industrial Electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional Requirements
- In Alberta, a valid Master Electrician Identification Number is required in order to pull electrical work permits. Alberta-certified electricians may apply to the Alberta Safety Codes Council to become Master Electricians following three years of certification
- Marine safety certification is required to work in offshore environments
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Travel required (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Potential for relocation (solar | wind)
- Primarily outdoor work (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Physical work (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Less formal organizational structure (solar |wind)
- Higher-risk tolerant culture (geothermal)
- Safety-sensitive environment (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Transition to a similar level (geothermal)
- Transition to a lower level (solar | wind)
- Rural location (geothermal | solar | wind)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have the ability to follow diagrams of circuits and wiring, and use hand and diagnostic tools in testing and fixing equipment.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Public safety and security
- Installation
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Quality control analysis
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment selection
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Solar
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
Wind
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into renewables may vary by sub-sector. Workers should expect there could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience, expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
