Electrical Distribution Technician, Kitchener

Overview As a member of the military, Electrical Distribution Technicians provide electrical engineering support to operational units at home and abroad.

Responsibilities 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, specifications, and drawings

Conduct reconnaissance related to the above, and assist other Construction Engineering tradespersons

Work Environment Electrical Distribution Technicians often work with the challenges that come with varying environmental conditions. They maintain their skills while employed at home units or on humanitarian and United Nations operational assignments. If you choose a career in the Regular Force, after completing all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. There is some flexibility with postings, but relocations may occur. For the Primary Reserve Force, you work with a specific Reserve unit on a part‑time basis, typically one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

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. The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebecor equivalent secondary school education, including: Grade 10 applied math or math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training 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, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades and ensures recruits meet the CAF physical fitness standard. The training is physically demanding.

Electric 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 on successful completion of this course.

They 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

Electric Distribution Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training.

Part Time Options This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time at an Air Force Wing in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to move, but can volunteer to move to another base and may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada. They may serve with the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force and are employed to provide electrical engineering support for CAF training and operations. Those employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis usually serve at a military base, wing or unit located within Canada. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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