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Overview
Pursue a career as an electrical motor systems technician and learn to check, fix and rebuild electrical and mechanical equipment like electric motors, generators, transformers, controllers and more.
In this program, you’ll learn to:
- figure out what’s wrong with electric motors, transformers, generators and other equipment
- take apart machines to fix or change them
- use blueprints and manuals to put in new parts, such as shafts, bearings and other components
- wind, assemble and reinstall coils for electric motors or transformers
- balance parts – like armatures or rotors – and weld, braze or solder electrical connections
- reassemble electrical and mechanical equipment.
You’ll be responsible for keeping electric motors and related equipment running smoothly in places like production plants and large businesses.
Electrical motor systems technicians are self-motivated and mechanically inclined. If you like problem-solving and working with your hands, you’ll excel in this line of work.
To success in this trade, you need to:
- pay attention to details and produce quality work
- enjoy finding solutions to tricky problems
- be interested in new technologies
- have a friendly attitude and like helping people
- enjoy working with machines and tools
- have good hand-eye coordination and physical strength
- be committed to maintaining health and safety protocols.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, you'll be awarded a diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22310, 22311, 22312, 72011, 72200, 72201, 72422, 94201.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for an electrical motor systems technician is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction at SAIT in the first three years.
Year 1 | Period 1
You’ll start by learning standard workplace safety and trade math. Later, you’ll cover electrical theory, electrical machines, circuit controls and electronics.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You’ll learn about alternating currents, single-phase motors, control circuits, single-phase electronics and transformers.
Training length: 8 weeks
Yeah 3 | Period 3
You’ll learn about three-phase electrical principles, three-phase motor winding, programmable logic controllers and electrical code applications.
Training length: 8 weeks
Year 4 | Period 4
You’ll learn more about DC machines, three-phase motor starters and controllers, synchronous machines, three-phase electronics and the troubleshooting and analysis of electrical equipment.
Training length: 8 weeks
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each period is no less than 50% in each course, with no less than a 65% average overall. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way:
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you’re an apprentice, you’ll alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must meet the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training set and monitor the entrance requirements.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).
If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.
Available intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
We recommend you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.