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Electric Motor Systems Technician Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Electric Motor Systems Technician work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Electric Motor Systems Technician. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Electric Motor Systems Technician click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Electrical Equipment

Electric Motor Systems Technician

work outdoors

Electric motor systems technicians test, rebuild and repair electric motors, generators, transformers, controllers and related electrical and mechanical equipment used in commercial, industrial and institutional establishments.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics; Shop

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Manufacturing; Repair; Personal, Religious and Other Services; Construction; Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction; Transportation and Warehousing; Utilities; Wholesale Trade.

  • DutiesDetails

    Electric motor systems technicians:

    • Figure out what is wrong with electric motors.
    • Take apart and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, electric welders, generators and other electrical and mechanical equipment.
    • Remove and replace shafts, bearings, commutators and other components.
    • Use blueprints or service manuals as needed.
    • Put together and reinstall different types of coils for electric motors or transformers.
    • Balance electrical components or rotors.
    • Weld and braze or solder electrical connections,.
    • Adjust components so they line up properly.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Large shops.
      • Production plants.
      • Remove and replace burned out motors on customer property.
      • Travel to customer locations.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • Possible overtime required when equipment breaks down.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Up to 25 kilograms.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Mechanical, electrical and electronic ability.
    • Work well with hands.
    • Attention to detail.
    • Enjoy precision work (accuracy).
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.
    • Your employer believes your skills and knowledge are the same as a certified journeyperson.
    • You are self-employed in this trade.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
      • or you already have certificate of completion of apprenticeship from Canada in a related trade.
      • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.
    • If you already have training or work experience in this trade, it might count towards certification.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 4 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary.

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    • Small motors and systems.
    • Large motors and systems.
    • Supervisory positions.
    • Self-employed.
    • If you have supervisory or management experience in this trade, you may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.

    Industries/Businesses employing people in this trade include:

    • Construction Contractors.
    • Utility Companies.
    • Manufacturing.
    • Repair.
    • Mining.
    • Oil and Gas Extraction.
    • Wholesale Trade.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $34 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).

    It is common for journeymen to work an average of 15 per cent extra in paid overtime hours.

    Apprentice electric motor systems technicians earn at least 55 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 65 per cent in the second, 75 per cent in the third and 85 per cent in the fourth.

  • Other SourcesDetails

    For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.