Education and Early Childhood Learning

Framework for Learning

Framework for LEARNING

Senior Years Technology Program

Electrical Trades Technology

An approved technical-vocational education (TVE) program cluster comprises departmentally developed and/or approved courses in one specific trade or trained occupation that facilitates the transition from school to either post-secondary training (such as the training provided through Apprenticeship Manitoba) or entry into the workforce (often at an entry-level position).

When learners pursue their studies in an environment modelled after the workplace, they will acquire not only trade-related skills, but they will also develop

employability skills required to make an effective transition from school to work
an understanding of career development and planning
an understanding of the importance of becoming an autonomous, lifelong learner in order to adapt to the skills and knowledge needed in the future
an awareness of safety in school, in the workplace, and at home
an awareness of sustainability as it relates to the specific skilled trade area and society

The TVE curriculum in electrical trades technology has been designed specifically for learners interested in the opportunity of becoming journeyperson or Red Seal electricians by teaching them all of the Level 1 technical training standards that they need to learn, along with providing them with hundreds of hours of practical experience.

Global Competencies in Electrical Trades Technology

Critical thinking in electrical trades technology involves the intentional process of synthesizing and analyzing ideas using criteria and evidence, making reasoned judgments, and reflecting on the outcomes and implications of those judgments.

When critical thinking as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

find, use, and reflect on diverse sources strategically, efficiently, and effectively when interpreting wiring diagrams, Canadian Electrical Code, and manufacturer specifications to make informed decisions about installations and troubleshooting
evaluate the sources of their and others’ perspectives for bias, reliability, and relevance as they consider the impacts of technology use on the environment and on the health and well-being of the tradesperson
connect ideas, patterns, and relationships between circuit theory and practical applications, using criteria and evidence from test instruments and load calculations
understand how perspectives are rooted in lived experiences, client needs, past practice, emerging trends, and safety standards
demonstrate flexibility to reconsider their thinking when troubleshooting faults or adapting plans to meet updated codes or unexpected site conditions

a person with a lightbulb signifying an original thought

Creativity in electrical trades technology involves exploring and playing with ideas and concepts in order to represent thinking, solve problems, explore opportunities, and innovate in unique ways. It is the interaction between intuition and thinking.

When creativity as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

try new things and take risks by being open to new ideas in learning
demonstrate curiosity by exploring new ideas and asking relevant questions about energy efficiency and renewable integration
use strategies to generate innovative solutions for wiring challenges in complex spaces while meeting code and client needs
enhance new ideas by building on suggestions from peers and industry standards
create plans for conduit runs/layouts and adjust them as needed to meet project goals
test and adapt wiring layouts, persevere through obstacles, and refine designs for efficiency and aesthetics
reflect on their process, and seek and use feedback from instructors and peers to improve

Citizenship in electrical trades technology involves engaging and working towards a more equitable, compassionate, and sustainable world through the development and value of relationships to self, others, and the natural world.

When citizenship as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

develop, understand, and reflect on their own perspective in complex issues such as energy or human sustainability and workplace safety
recognize discrimination, principles of equity, and human rights when working on diverse job sites and with clients from different backgrounds
explore the interconnectedness of self, others, and the natural world by considering the environmental impact of electrical installations and the health and well-being of the tradespeople
seek out diverse viewpoints and lived experiences, and collaborate respectfully in team settings
reflect on and empathize with perspectives that do not align with their own (e.g., client preferences vs. code requirements)
connect with others in responsible, respectful, and inclusive ways, both in person and in digital contexts
realize their potential in contributing to the betterment of communities by promoting safe practices and reducing environmental impact (e.g., recommending LED lighting)
work to find equitable solutions to support diversity, inclusivity, and human rights in the workplace
make ethical choices to promote healthy and sustainable outcomes for the natural world

Connection to self in electrical trades technology involves awareness of the related nature of the emotional, intellectual, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of living and learning, and the responsibility for personal growth, well being, and well-becoming.

When connection to self as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

recognize personal interests, strengths, gifts, challenges, and opportunities in precision wiring, troubleshooting, and adapting to new technologies
come to know factors that shape their identity, including lived experiences, cultural background, and trade experiences
understand and use strategies to support self-regulation and well-being to support safety during high-stakes tasks like live circuit testing
reflect on personal decisions, effort, and experiences, and on others’ feedback for improvement
set goals to strengthen their learning and well-being, such as moving into apprenticeship or post-secondary training
have hope and demonstrate resiliency as they plan for the future in a rapidly evolving trade
persevere through obstacles such as complex troubleshooting or adapting to new code requirements
demonstrate an ability to change or adapt to new experiences and technologies
recognize and embrace their role in lifelong learning and well-being

Collaboration in electrical trades technology involves learning with and from others, and working together with a shared commitment to a common goal.

When collaboration as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

actively welcome and seek out diverse perspectives, voices, and ideas, valuing input from others and from different trades (e.g., plumbers, carpenters) to better understand and integrate complex systems
understand that building on others’ ideas deepens thinking and improves project outcomes
value and put trust in others’ contributions during team-based installations
practise active listening and asking questions of themselves and others to clarify plans
work through differences and show a willingness to compromise or change perspective when appropriate (e.g., adjusting conduit runs to accommodate HVAC)
co-construct meaning and plans with others for electrical layouts in construction projects
contribute equitably to the collective purpose or common goal of safe, efficient installations

Communication in electrical trades technology involves interacting with others and allowing for a message to be received, expressed, and understood in multiple ways and for a variety of purposes.

When communication as a competency is applied in electrical trades technology, learners

express ideas and emotions while following context cues (e.g., technical drawings, labelling, tone of voice, digital diagrams) and conventions of the trade
thoughtfully consider audience, purpose, context, modes, and forms to effectively share ideas (e.g., explaining electrical concepts to clients vs. inspectors)
understand how their words and actions impact their identities and relationships on job sites
use context cues to enhance understanding when receiving messages (e.g., interpreting schematics and inspector notes)
seek to understand others’ messages through observation, active listening, and questioning during project planning and troubleshooting
recognize how diverse contexts (e.g., linguistic, cultural, generational, experiential) can impact and influence understanding in peer and client interactions
make meaning and deepen understanding using precise, continually evolving technical terminology of the trade and language of clients and others in the field
make connections and build relationships through conversations and discussions, both in person and in digital contexts
value how communication strengthens community safety and efficiency on job sites

Enduring Understandings

Explore career opportunities.

Technical-vocational education supports learners to understand the unique characteristics, scope, working conditions, and career opportunities of various occupations to make informed choices.

Create safe, healthy, and effective workspaces.

Technical-vocational education provides learners with safe, healthy, and effective work practices and protocols that meet industry standards for technical competence and professionalism.

Navigate the world.

Technical-vocational education prepares learners with attitudes, skills, and knowledge to successfully navigate complex, competitive, and collaborative environments to develop an awareness of regulations, cultural competence, and ethical practices.

Experience connected and innovative learning.

Technical-vocational education readies learners to be entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers while making cross-curricular connections and transdisciplinary experiences (STEAM), utilizing industry standard digital tools and technologies, and fostering awareness of industry trends.

Promote inclusive and responsive systems.

Technical-vocational education promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion, is responsive to global challenges, and promotes environmental stewardship to prepare learners for an interconnected world.

Prepare for evolving economies.

Technical-vocational education equips learners with relevant and adaptable skills to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.