How to Become a Certified Electrician in Mining

The Labour Market and Training Division Apprenticeship office of the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU) provides Certificate of Qualification, "C of Q" to industrial mining electricians who work in Ontario, Canada. Although electricians are not required to be certified, according to A Guide for Internationally Trained Industrial Electricians, certification is recommended, as most Ontario employers request that electricians present a C of Q prior to being hired. Additionally, certified electricians typically earn higher salaries and are provided better job opportunities.

Instructions

Follow These Steps to Work as a Certified Electrician in Canada

1. Complete apprenticeship training. Finish four to five years of on-the-job and academic training. Be prepared to earn at least a minimum wage while in training. Ensure that the employer you agree to conduct your on-the-job training with covers competencies listed in the Apprenticeship Training Standards, including protecting yourself and others, communication, using tools, inspecting wiring systems, reading and interpreting drawings, and documentation and troubleshooting control systems.

2. Complete five years of employment as an industrial electrician working in mining. Search the Yellow Pages or local newspapers to find employers seeking an industrial mining electrician. Submit a strong resume to respective employers. Highlight your skills and apprenticeship training to increase your chances of being hired.

3. Acquire strong reading, writing and communication skills. Strengthen your command of the English language if this is an area where your communication is not strong. Keep in mind that you will be required to write a technical multiple-choice exam before you become certified.

4. Apply for certificate of qualification. Contact the Labour Market and Training Division Apprenticeship office of the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities and request a certification application. Schedule your examination date at the apprenticeship office closest to you.

5. Take the examination. Present your photo identification at the examination site. Pay the required examination fees. Write and pass the Certificate of Qualification examination.

6. Receive certification. Follow up with the Labour Market and Training Division Apprenticeship office if you do not receive your certificate in the mail within 10 days. In addition, contact the apprenticeship office to obtain a copy of your certificate if you lose the original lifetime certificate. Pay a $60 processing fee for the certificate to be re-sent to you.

Resources

• A Guide for Internationally Trained Industrial Electricians