Description
Overview
As a member of the military, Electrical Distribution Technicians provide electrical engineering support to operational units at home and abroad.
The Electrical Distribution Technician is one of seven Construction Engineering positions involved in the supply of all construction, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering services in support of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations worldwide. The primary responsibilities of an Electrical Distribution Technician are to:
- Install, repair and maintain high and low voltage electrical distribution systems, portable and fixed airfield lighting systems, fire alarm and security systems
- Produce associated electrical designs and specifications and drawings
- Conduct reconnaissance related to the above, and assist other Construction Engineering tradespersons
To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
- Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
- For the Paid Education programs—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);
- For the Primary Reserves—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;
- Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education).
Work Environment
Electrical Distribution Technicians often work with the challenges that come with varying environmental conditions. Electrical Distribution Technicians maintain their skills while employed at home units or on humanitarian and United Nations operational assignments.
If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.
Basic Occupational Qualification TrainingElectrical Distribution Technicians attend a seven-day course to train to climb hydro poles up to 30 metres in height and towers taller than 30 metres. Continued training depends upon successful completion of this course.
Electrical Distribution Technicians then attend the School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Training takes approximately 19 weeks and includes:
- Environmental skills such as defensive tactics and firearms
- Care and use of common and special purpose tools and test equipment
- Application of occupational codes and regulations
- Interpretation of drawings and schematics
- Climbing hydro poles
- High and low voltage electrical distribution systems
- Lighting systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Airfield lighting systems
- Electrical motors and controls
- Electrical and electronic principles
Available Specialty Training
Electrical Distribution Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training.
Required Education
The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec or equivalent secondary school education, including: Grade 10 applied math or math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec.
Foreign education may be accepted.
Direct Entry Officer Plan
No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.
Join the CAF
To learn more about becoming an Electrical Distribution Technician, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.
Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.
