What Does an Electrical Control (Machine) Builder Do?

An Electrical Control (Machine) Builder prepares and organizes wiring layout from electrical schematics and is primarily involved in the electrical portion of machine tool building. They install electrical devices and enclose them in protective tubing. They work with machinists and tool makers.

Job-related Skills, Interests and Values

  • preparing and organizing wiring layout from electrical schematics
  • involvement in the electrical portion of machine tool building
  • fabricating and installing brackets, hangers and other equipment for the support of electrical devices
  • installing electrical devices, including control panels, limit switches, solenoids, push buttons, pilot light stations
  • installing various types of electrical conductor enclosures
  • preparing and installing electrical conductors
  • identifying installed electrical devices with appropriate I/O (Input/Output) device identification

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

A minimum of 16 years of age and completion of Grade 12 or Ministry-approved equivalent is required. Prospective apprentices should have some English, mathematics, and tech school courses. As Electrical Control (Machine) Builder is an unrestricted certified trade and does not require a Certificate of Apprenticeship. However, completing an apprenticeship program will increase your wages and employment opportunities. The apprenticeship for this trade takes 3-4 years to complete (approximately 5,000-5,400 hours of combined in-class and on-the-job training). The classroom portion is two 5-week sessions.

What’s Your Future as an Electrical Control (Machine) Builder?

Electrical Control (Machine) Builders generally work indoors in industrial settings. The nature of the job often requires standing for prolonged periods of time. In addition, because of the tools an Electrical Control (Machine) Builder uses every day, they must always pay close attention to safety. Most employment in this trade is shift work, allowing for overtime and benefits. Employers who typically hire Electrical Control (Machine) Builders include:

  • Manufacturing companies
  • Electrical construction firms

Employment in this trade looks to be at a moderate level throughout 2007. The rate of employment growth will likely increase because of higher demand for new machinery and equipment. 

Wage Rate

  • As an Apprentice you earn less than a Journeyperson 
  • This rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency 
  • A fully qualified Electrical Control (Machine) Builder can earn in a range of $12 to $17 per hour or more, excluding overtime. 

Self- Rating

Ask Yourself: Is being an Electrical Control (Machine) Builder For You?

Are you able to do a lot of bending, stooping, kneeling or heavy lifting?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy repairing, troubleshooting and working with electronic devices?

Yes      No

Do you have good analytical and problem-solving skills? 

Yes      No

Can you understand written instructions?

Yes      No

Are you mechanically inclined? 

Yes      No

Can you read blueprints and other design documents?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with machines and tools?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as an Electrical Control (Machine) Builder may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills:

  • Industrial Electrician
  • Machine Tool Builder and Integrator
  • Electrical Technician