
The electrical industry is an essential service, providing safe and reliable electricity to power modern life. Joining an electrical union in Toronto offers workers a range of benefits, from apprenticeship programs to job security and improved working conditions. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353, in collaboration with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECAO), offers a positive apprenticeship experience, providing support and resources to develop the skills needed for a rewarding career in this sector. With a focus on safety and a commitment to excellence, union membership empowers electricians to take pride in their work, ensuring that they return home safely to their families each day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Union | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353 |
| Area Covered | Greater Toronto Area |
| Training Alliance | Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance (The Alliance) |
| Training Alliance Funding | Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association (Greater Toronto ECA) |
| Training Alliance Work | Administer apprenticeship programs, recruit, select, train pre-apprentices, provide dedicated advisors |
| Apprenticeship Duration | Approximately 5 years |
| Apprenticeship Components | Alternating periods of on-the-job training and college terms |
| Apprenticeship Salary | Salary increases as knowledge and experience progress |
| Apprenticeship Support | NextGen clubs for additional support and friendship for younger apprentices |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Apprenticeship programs
To become a registered electrical apprentice with IBEW, you must contact the IBEW local in your area of residence. The IBEW locals provide industry-leading education programs with a completion rate of 95% or better, compared to the non-union completion rate of 58%. The IBEW locals and their ECAO contractors work together to ensure a positive experience for apprentices, providing support and a framework for their progression.
The Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance (The Alliance) is a non-profit organization funded by the Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association (Greater Toronto ECA). The Alliance collaborates with the IBEW Local 353 to oversee apprenticeship programs, recruit, select, and train pre-apprentices, and provide dedicated advisors to help apprentices navigate the program. The Alliance offers comprehensive training, work experience opportunities, and free resources to support learning.
The Alliance's apprenticeship program includes an initial 1,800-hour Pre-apprenticeship of on-the-job work training, followed by a 309A Construction & Maintenance Electrician sector apprenticeship of typically 9,000 hours, taking between five to six years to complete. During this time, apprentices attend Supplementary Training Classes (STC), Safety Courses, and Trade School, which accounts for 20% of the program.
The IBEW apprenticeship programs offer a competitive salary that increases as apprentices advance through the program. Being part of a union apprenticeship also provides benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and collective bargaining power, often leading to better wages and working conditions compared to non-union programs.
Electro Lymphatic Therapy: Constipation Relief Solution?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Qualifications and training
The Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance (The Alliance) is a non-profit organisation that collaborates with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to oversee apprenticeship programs. The Alliance provides comprehensive training and work experience opportunities for apprentices to develop their skills, including safety classes.
To become a registered electrical apprentice, you must contact the IBEW local in your area of residence. The Alliance also requires proof of educational prerequisites, such as high school transcripts demonstrating the completion of one math, one English, and one physics course. For those who have not completed high school in Ontario, a Comprehensive Secondary School Assessment can be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The duration of the apprenticeship is typically 9000 hours and takes between five and six years to complete. The program includes 8,160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of in-school training. Apprentices are also required to attend Supplementary Training Classes (STCs) and Safety Courses, which account for 20% of the apprenticeship program.
Prior to starting the apprenticeship, there is an 1,800-hour pre-apprenticeship program that consists of on-the-job work training. This must be completed to become a Registered Apprentice in the 309A Construction & Maintenance Electrician sector.
To work as an electrician in Toronto, a valid and permanent Ontario Electrician's License is required.
How RV Furnaces Work: Electricity or Propane?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Salary expectations
The salary expectations for union electricians in Toronto, ON, are quite promising. The average annual salary for a union electrician in Toronto is $99,388, with the lowest reported salary being $80,447 and the highest being $122,789. These estimates are based on 238 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by union electrician employees in Toronto.
The salary for union electricians in Toronto can vary depending on various factors, including experience, qualifications, and the specific industry or sector. For example, electricians working in the highly automated environment of robotics and controls or in the Industrial Controls department may command higher salaries.
Additionally, union electricians in Toronto can expect competitive salaries that are in line with the national average for Canada. The national average salary for a union electrician in Canada is $90,565, with the lowest reported salary being $73,827 and the highest being $111,098.
It is worth noting that salary satisfaction among union electrician professionals in Toronto is relatively high, with approximately 69% of professionals reporting that they feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings.
When considering salary expectations, it is important to keep in mind that union electricians in Toronto typically undergo a comprehensive apprenticeship program, such as the Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance, which provides the necessary training, qualifications, and certifications to succeed in the field. This apprenticeship period can impact the starting salary for electricians entering the field.
Scooter Commuters: NYC Bus Rules and Regulations
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Union benefits
Joining a union can be a great way to access benefits that support your career and well-being. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353 is a union for electrical workers in Toronto. Here are some of the benefits of joining this union:
Training and Apprenticeships
IBEW Local 353 offers a range of training and apprenticeship programs to help members develop their skills and advance their careers. The Electrical Apprentice Training Alliance (The Alliance), a non-profit organization funded by the Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association, works closely with IBEW Local 353 to provide apprenticeship programs. These programs include the 309A Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Construction and Maintenance Trade apprenticeship, as well as the Low-Rise Residential 309A Apprenticeship and the Network Cabling Specialist 631A Apprenticeship. The Alliance provides dedicated advisors to guide apprentices through their programs and offers free training resources and support.
Job Opportunities
Union membership provides access to a network of employers and job opportunities. IBEW Local 353 has a strong presence in critical electrical work for hospitals, schools, businesses, and transportation networks in Toronto. The union also offers a job board on its website, advertising union electrical jobs in the Greater Toronto Area.
Safety and Standards
IBEW Local 353 prioritizes safety in the electrical industry. They ensure that their members are up to date with safety practices and standards, such as compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The union also offers health and safety committees and resources to promote safe working conditions for its members.
Support and Community
Union membership provides a sense of community and support from fellow workers. IBEW Local 353 has various committees and programs to support its members, including a women's committee and social events. The union also provides informational videos, brochures, and other resources to help members navigate their careers and make the most of their union membership.
Electric Fields and Pea Plants: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.99 $18.19

Application process
To join an electrician's union in Toronto, you must first ensure that you meet the qualifications. In Toronto, this will typically involve applying for an apprenticeship program such as the IBEW apprenticeship. To apply for the IBEW apprenticeship, you must first locate the IBEW local to you, which can be done by searching for electrician's unions in your area using a search engine and checking their websites for information on how to join.
Once you have found your local union, you should contact them to find out about the application process. You may be able to find this information on their website, or you may need to call or email the branch office. If there is an online request form, you should fill this out and submit it, and a union representative should contact you within a few days. If you do not hear back, follow up with the office after a few days to ask about the application process and how long it will take.
To apply for the IBEW apprenticeship, you must meet certain prerequisites, including having a grade of "C" or higher in an Algebra 1 class. If you do not have this qualification, you can take the IBEW Tech Math Course to qualify. You will then need to submit your application as instructed by the union, providing any requested paperwork, such as your high school diploma and electrician's certificate.
After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be scheduled for the IBEW Aptitude Test, which assesses your foundational knowledge in mathematics and reading comprehension. This is a critical part of the selection process, and your score, combined with your score from the apprenticeship interview, will determine your ranking. The higher your ranking, the sooner you will be invited to join the apprenticeship program.
Once you have been accepted into the local electrical union, you will receive information on the benefits and programs you are eligible for, as well as the cost of your union dues, which you will need to pay.
Easy Ways to Humidify Your Room Without Electricity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353 is the electrical union in Toronto. It is part of the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario (IBEW CCO), which represents eleven IBEW Local Unions across the province.
The IBEW Local 353 offers a range of benefits to its members, including apprenticeship programs, training facilities, and support for apprentices. They also provide health and safety guidelines and enforce them, and promote their trade and strengthen ties through various initiatives.
To join the IBEW Local 353 in Toronto, you can contact them directly through their website or social media platforms. They provide informational videos and brochures for workers interested in joining. You can also contact the IBEW CCO, which oversees apprenticeship programs and can guide you through the process.
The requirements to join the IBEW Local 353 in Toronto may vary, but generally, you need to be working in the electrical sector and reside in the area. For apprenticeship programs, specific qualifications and training programs are outlined, and a high school education or equivalent assessment is required.



































