Overview

Electrical Generation Systems Technicians provide electrical power generation support to operational units. Electrical Generation Systems Technicians are involved in the supply of all construction, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering services in support of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations worldwide. The primary responsibilities of the Electrical Generation Systems Technicians are to:

• Install, operate, maintain and repair mobile electrical generators and associated control equipment
• Install, operate, maintain and repair power plant electrical generators and associated control equipment
• Install, operate and maintain engine prime movers associated with equipment driven by Construction Engineers
• Install, operate, maintain and repair Static Uninterruptable Power Systems and Rotary Uninterruptable Power Systems
• Overhaul electrical generation systems and equipment
• Produce designs and specifications
• Produce mechanical and electrical drawings
• Perform brazing/welding and machining work

To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
  • For the Paid Education programs—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);
  • For the Primary Reserves—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;
• Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education).

Work Environment

Electrical Generation Systems Technicians are members of the Air Force but may be assigned to work in the Army or Navy environment as members of the Construction Engineering team.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Basic Military Qualification

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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.

Basic Occupational Qualification Training

Electrical Generation Systems Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Training takes approximately 22 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 drawing and schematics
• Physics, mechanical, electrical and electronic principles
• Uninterruptable power systems
• Mobile and fixed electrical generators
• Electrical generation control and monitoring systems
• Prime movers (engines)
• Engine controllers
• Brazing and welding techniques

Available Specialty Training

Electrical Generation Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Operation, maintenance and repair of Uninterruptable power systems
• Electrical switchgear and Programmable logic controllers
• Relocatable temporary camp generator course

Required Education

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

Foreign education may be accepted.

Direct Entry Plan

If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training is required before being assigned.

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming an Electrical Generation Systems Technician, visit talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

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