# Electrician Foundation Trades Certificate

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

LocationStartingTypeFort St JohnFebruaryCohort  

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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees TotalYear 1$ 2,242.80$ 150.46$ 592.44$ 2,985.70

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees International
Medical InsuranceTotalYear 1$ 8,778.00$ 150.46$ 592.44$ 289.80*$ 9,810.70

*Per four months

Still have questions?

Contact:

info@nlc.bc.ca if you are a domestic student

info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are an international student

trades@nlc.bc.ca  if you are currently an NLC student

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 Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the DeanMinimum Grade Requirements70% 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