NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN
Powering Canada's Future
Walk through any new subdivision, hospital, or industrial site in Canada and you’ll see one thing in common — wires. Miles of copper and aluminum running through walls, ceilings, conduits, and trenches. Every new home, every data centre, and every EV charger needs skilled electricians to bring it to life. And right now, Canada doesn’t have enough of them.
Across the country, the demand for certified electricians is surging. Industry forecasts show thousands of electricians will retire in the next five to ten years, while electrical work itself is growing faster than almost any other trade. Between housing construction, renewable energy, vehicle charging infrastructure, and industrial automation, Canada needs tens of thousands of new electrical workers to keep the lights on — literally. The 2024 BuildForce Canada outlook ranks electricians among the top in-demand trades nationwide, with some provinces already facing shortages that delay projects and drive wages higher.
Becoming an electrician isn’t just a job — it’s a career that blends brain and hands. You learn a skilled trade that pays well from day one, work in a field where safety and precision matter, and have the flexibility to specialize: residential, commercial, industrial, instrumentation, or renewable energy. Journeyperson electricians across Canada typically earn $35–$50 per hour, with union and industrial jobs often exceeding that. Add overtime, travel work, and the chance to start your own business, and the income potential grows fast.
What makes the trade especially rewarding is how much it’s changing. Smart homes, solar panels, battery systems, and electric vehicles are transforming how electricity is delivered and controlled. Electricians are no longer just wiring outlets — they’re integrating technology that makes buildings efficient, safe, and sustainable. It’s a trade with both heritage and high-tech — a path where you can still work with your hands but be at the forefront of Canada’s clean-energy transition.
So if you’ve ever considered working in the trades, there’s never been a better time to get into electrical. The demand is real, the skills are respected, and the future is wired for those ready to learn. Apprenticeships are open, programs are funded, and mentors are waiting to pass on decades of experience. Canada needs a new generation of electricians — and that next spark could be you.