ECA Ottawa

Apprenticeship In Ottawa

Electrician Apprenticeship in Ottawa

Electrician Apprenticeship in OttawaApprentices are employed by member companies of the Ottawa Electrical Contractors Association (Ottawa ECA) and are dispatched through the IBEW Local Union 586 (IBEW L.U. 586). Once dispatched, apprentices work on construction sites performing the duties of a Construction and Maintenance Electrician and are paid directly by their employer (contractor). The jurisdiction covered includes areas west along Highway 17 to Deux-Rivières (past Deep River), east to Hawkesbury, north to the Ottawa River, and south to Perth and Smiths Falls. Apprentices may be assigned to job sites anywhere within this geographic area and are responsible for providing their own transportation. Most workdays begin at 7:00 a.m.

Upon acceptance into your apprenticeship, successful candidates join the program’s placement database. Selection from the database is based on a ranking system derived from the initial Aptitude Test and  Interview. Once all required safety training is successfully completed, apprentices are dispatched by IBEW Local Union 586 to an Ottawa ECA member contractor.

Working in the Greater Ottawa Area means being part of one of the most active and dynamic construction markets in Canada. As the second-largest construction market in Ontario, Ottawa generates billions of dollars in construction activity each year, with more than $7 billion invested annually across residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and infrastructure projects. This translates into millions of work hours and a steady demand for skilled tradespeople who help bring these projects to life.

The electrical trade continues to be one of the most sought-after and respected trades in the construction industry. Modern buildings and infrastructure rely on increasingly sophisticated electrical systems, from power distribution and lighting to communications, automation, renewable energy, and smart building technologies. As our city grows and technology advances, the need for highly trained electricians continues to increase.

As a member of Ottawa’s electrical community, you play a direct role in shaping the future of the National Capital Region. Every school, hospital, office tower, transit system, data centre, residential development, and public facility depends on the expertise of electrical workers. The projects you help build today will serve generations of residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.

Beyond the rewarding nature of the work itself, a career in the electrical trade offers excellent earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and long-term job security. Whether you choose to work in construction, service, maintenance, renewable energy, or emerging technologies, you will be part of an industry that is essential to the growth, sustainability, and success of our community. By joining the electrical trade, you are not simply building structures—you are helping build the city and powering the future of Ottawa.

REQUIRED Aptitude Test

Applicants who successfully complete the application process and meet all required prerequisites will be invited to participate in the Aptitude Test. The exam consisting of 3-parts focusing on Mathematics, Language Comprehension, and finally, Mechanical Reasoning. You will have 3 hours to finish the exam, which requires a minimum 70% in each of the 3 categories to pass.

Click here to see a few sample questions.

For more information please contact the Ottawa ECA office at info@ecaottawa.org

How To Get Started

First, you will need to fill in the online application and upload the required documents. These include:
– your resume
– your grade 12 diploma or transcripts
– government photo ID

Second, check any of the appropriate boxes outlining requirements suggested in the electrical field. This includes any contractors who are willing to hire you should you succeed.

Third, you will be invited to write the Aptitude Test. As written on this page, it is a 3 part exam to determine your ability to understand and fulfill requests from your supervisors.

Finally, if successful at this point you will be invited to a brief interview process and  your ranking will be posted.

Please note:
We are not accepting apprenticeship applications at this time.

Future Testing Dates:
September 21, 2026
November 23, 2026

Scroll to Top