Education · 1 of 4
The path
Hire on, learn to mount and wire panels, then decide whether to go for the electrician ticket.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Math and physics help. A driver's licence and comfort on a roof matter most.
- 2
Safety tickets
Days
Working at heights or fall protection, plus WHMIS (workplace hazardous materials). One or two days each. Employers often pay.
- 3
Get hired as an installer
Weeks
Solar companies and electrical contractors hire labourers each spring. You start by carrying panels and bolting racking to roofs.
- 4
Learn the system
1 to 2 years
Racking, panels, DC (direct current) wiring, inverters, batteries. Short manufacturer and college courses fill in the theory.
- 5
Optional: electrician apprenticeship
4 to 5 years
Four to five years to a Red Seal Construction Electrician ticket. It is the standard way to move from installer to the person who signs off the job.