This program includes Electrician Foundation Trades Training, a 60-hour practicum, and level 1 apprenticeship training. The program prepares students for entrance into the electrical field by providing them with the basic knowledge, skills and technical training employers are seeking in new hires. Students will complete meaningful hands-on projects that will prepare them for the workplace. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be credited with 350 work-based training hours towards their apprenticeship. After successful completion of the program and securing an industry sponsor/employer, students may apply for Level 2 Electrician Apprenticeship training.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
Some of the titles below may include additional training requirements.
- Electrician: Apprenticeship, Journeyperson
- Construction Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Maintenance Electrician
- Service Electrician
- Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Marine opportunities
- Solar Installer / Solar Electrician
- EV Charger Installer
- Wind Turbine Maintinence Technician
- Fire Alarm Technician
- Electrical Estimator
- Project Manager
- Electrical Contractor / Business Owner
- Further training may lead to engineering technologist roles.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fort St John | February | Cohort |
Length
600 hours; approximately 20 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 2,136.00 | $ 148.18 | $ 580.82 | $ 2,865.00 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 8,358.00 | $ 156.42 | $ 633.08 | $ 289.80* | $ 9,437.30 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Complete either A or B:
A. English, Math, and Science
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- MATH 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
Science Requirement
One of the following:
- Physics 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- Physics 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- PHYS 040 or higher with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 047
Complete:
- ESTR 047 – Essential Skills for Trades Advanced-Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
Post-Admission Requirements
One month prior to the start of the program, students will be required to provide proof of the following certifications:
- Intermediate First Aid
- H2S Alive
- Common Safety Orientation (CSO)
All certificates must be valid for the duration of the program. Failure to provide proof may result in dismissal from the program.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (Safety glasses, Steel-toed boots and Gloves). Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC and School Districts 59, 60, 81 and 87.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in ELFT 150 |
All of:
- ELFT 101 – Electrician Foundation Trades Training (240 contact hours)
- ELFT 102 – Electrician Foundation Level 1 (300 contact hours)
- ELFT 150 – Electrician Practicum (60 contact hours)
Credential
Certificate in Electrician Foundation Trades