While electricity may be static, the equipment and appliances requiring it are ever changing. The devices we currently employ at home, in business, and in industry continue to evolve. Technology affects everything. To keep abreast of such changes, electrical contractors in cities across Canada, including Vancouver, have to update continually their skills. They must accept the importance of ongoing training in their chosen profession.
Training Priorities
Training involves the updating of skills, training, and knowledge in two separate areas:
1. Legal
2. Practical
Both are aspects of the working life and career of an electrical contractor. In Vancouver, it is critical for both contractors and electricians to embrace the concept of life learning.
Training in legal matters may focus on various areas of concern. The major ones are electrical codes and insurance requirements. These can change annually. The municipal codes may also have variations electricians, and electrical contractors need to revisit and revise their practices accordingly
In the practical application of their trade, contractors and electricians need to look at various aspects that can alter over time. New technologies can have a heavy impact on the performance of common tasks. Among the more common courses – some are refresher courses, include:
- Safety: This is always an important course to take regularly
- Green/sustainable: An increased interest from homeowners, industries and businesses, as well as improving technology drives interest in this topic
- Lighting: With increased technology and the advent of different forms of green energy, courses on lamp technology are becoming important
- Automation/controls: New technology drives the need to take such topics
Electrical testing and maintenance: New equipment and testing methods are behind this subject
Electrical Contractors: Lifetime Training
Learning does not end after even years in a job. Training is an essential component of the trade. Education must continue long after the classroom is left behind if electrical contractors want to continue to be the best in their profession in Vancouver if not British Columbia.
