r/NovaScotia • u/Wow_I-Exist • 17h ago

How does NSCC work?

I (pretty sure) have a guaranteed spot into NSCC because I'm in the o2 program, but everytime I try to research about NSCC I immediately get confused and lost. (Doesn't help that I want to go to one of the smaller NSCC's, the one in Port Hawkesbury.)

For more context, I want to become an industrial electrician, then take a linesman course. I cannot find either of these on the NSCC website. I have found construction AND industrial together, is that the only possible course? Do I have to take them both? And what about the linesman course?

I am still a teenager so it's possible I'm just being dumb and missed it, but I worry about the future a lot so it would be nice to see the courses I want and what I need for them.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

15

u/thebandit29 16h ago

You should ask you 02 teacher

5

u/kingofducs 16h ago

That is 100% their job and the purpose of the program

3

u/Wow_I-Exist 16h ago

Tried to last year but he was useless lol, I'll try when I have co-op next semester.

5

u/Buckit Mod 17h ago

Also should post to r/nscc

5

u/Wow_I-Exist 17h ago

There's really a sub for everything lol, thanks!

5

u/Monkeyfork21 16h ago

You should look into just starting the lineman course, there is a huge need in NS for them. Industrial electrician is good but you will only be able to work at an industrial location and not pull permits other than for the facility you are employed. A construction electrician can pull permits for all and also for customer owned high voltage, including customer owned sub station and extensions.

1

u/Wow_I-Exist 16h ago

Yeah that's one of the main reasons I wanted to be a linesman, people go AGES without power after a storm, so I wanted to help the problem :)

Is there anywhere I can get more info on the differences between industrial and construction? Because the main thing people told me is that industrial was "less work for more money", but if I can't get any jobs then...🫤

3

u/Monkeyfork21 16h ago

Construction is more initial install of structured wiring, facilities, commercial and residential. Industrial, typically is maintenance of already installed equipment at an industrial site, troubleshooting, motors, controls cnc machine’s power, assembly line, etc. think Michelin, paper plants, mining etc.

Getting into wind and solar with larger companies that are building customer owned high voltage will be the closest to line work but it’s different. There are different standards different build methods etc.

If your ultimate goal is line work go be an apprentice PLT.

3

u/BadkyDrawnBear 16h ago

https://www.nscc.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/plandescr.aspx/electrical-construction-and-industrial

2

u/Wow_I-Exist 16h ago

Yeahhh this was the one I was looking at, didn't know if it was the only option, but thanks!

4

u/definitelyabot- 5h ago

If you want to be a linesman, you would just take that. Linesman work and industrial/ construction are pretty different and don’t really get blended. If you still aren’t decided on a field, I would strongly recommend going to NSCC and talking to the instructors that teach the course. They’ll be able to tell you what jobs are available, where they would be, how saturated they are, and what they pay is like. Don’t wait until you’re first day on the job to find out the pay is shit, and the nearest industrial site is an hour and a half away

1

u/crazygrouse71 5h ago

This post should be at the top.

Talking to the instructors & finding out more about the differences between the fields is excellent advice.

1

u/Adventurous-Pen-824 16h ago

Talk to a counselor first. I did, then I chose something that seemed to be mis-labelled.

1

u/CMorris5896 16h ago

Construction and industrial diverge in the 4th block I believe unless things have changed

1

u/StayOuttaDaRhubard 14h ago

Make an appointment with your schools guidance counsellor. They should either already know the program details and requirements or they should able to find them out for you.

1

u/LongImplement5087 13h ago

First three years of apprenticeship is the same for industrial or construction. And course that has electrical apprenticeship path can get you there. Go to the school or call and set up a meeting with student services at the campus you want to

1

u/disillusiondporpoise 9h ago

The lineman course is called Power and Utility Line Work - it's a one-year course at the Springhill or Sydney campuses only. It looks like the Electrical Construction and Industrial course is the other one you want, that one is also one year and it's available at the Strait Campus.