Jim Roberts

instructor years of experience

45

Years of
Experience

Biography

Jim Roberts brings over 43 years of experience in the electrical field. A graduate from the Georgian College Electrical Engineering program, he started his career at Toronto Hydro Electrical Systems as a High Voltage Underground Cable Fault Technician then proceeded to Toronto Transit Commission where he obtained his red seal 309A electrical license and became a Maintenance/Construction Electrician responsible for over 67km of subway system and all facilities on a 24/7 electrical emergency response team.

Since 2000, he supervised over 95 maintenance electricians, coordinated major shutdowns to facilities for bi-annual electrical maintenance, assisted electricians on major faults in high and low voltage equipment.

Outside of work, he volunteered as a fire fighter with a local fire department. When he left the department after 20 years, he held the role of Senior Captain and was in charge of day to day operations including organizing firefighter certification training. He spent the past 9 years teaching an in-house 4 year maintenance and construction training program for over 55 electrical apprentices, at the same time responsible for keeping 140 electrical employees updated in new technology, high voltage switching, safety requirements and maintenance procedures.

Jim as expertise in electrical troubleshooting techniques, print reading, lockout tag out, work protection code, HV Switching and the Canadian Electrical Code.

Jim is well versed in low voltage troubleshooting, AD/DC systems, electrical schematic reading, High Voltage Work Protection Code, Canadian Electrical Safety Code, Certified Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Member, Ontario Fire Marshall certified facilitator and a Master electrician.

Expertise

Testimonials

  • Garrison Supplee, Cummins
    Jim thoroughly delivered the information in a cheerful upbeat manner that made the 2-day course enjoyable and move quickly.
  • Richards Rogers, Daam Galvanizing
    "Jim was a very good teacher, super knowledgeable and patient. He did not cut corners and took the time to make sure everyone was 100% on topic."
  • Paul Steinkey, Daam Galvanizing Ltd.
    “Jim was very knowledgeable with course material. He would also answer questions that were outside of the course and pertained to our own jobs. He engaged all of us at the beginning and said, "No question was a stupid question." Thanks Jim.”
  • Salman Afzal, Syncrude Canada
    “Jim Roberts is a really good instructor; he explained everything in detail and explained the hazards of switching electrical equipment. He has shown us the safest way of switching and what to look for when switching. I would recommend Jim because he is experienced and very safe and he knows the stuff...
  • Mike Tomassetti, Toronto Transit Commission
    “Jim is great at his job and has taught me a lot of information on high voltage safety.”
  • Kevin Archambault, Canadian Coast Guard
    “Jim was very informative. He also brought a lot of experience to the course. He was able to relate with what we do on a regular basis.”
  • Andy Scheibli, Lambton Kent DSB
    Informative, knowledgeable, entertaining.
  • Brian Fluter, Pinnacle Renewable Energy
    Jim presented the course in a very professional manner. His field knowledge was very beneficial in the presentation.
  • Mike Klamann, Toronto Transit Commission
    “I felt like I knew the instructor, Jim Roberts; he was really friendly.”
  • Terry Simpson, Department of National Defence, RPOPS Electrician
    “Jim Roberts is a knowledgeable instructor in this area of the trade. His course is a definite requirement.”
  • Denise Athaide, Cummins Inc.
    Jim did a good job of focusing on important material, keeping everyone's attention, and explaining important concepts.
  • Chris Drdla, University of Toronto
    Jim was an exceptional instructor. It was great to have an instructor with so much hands-on experience. Jim kept me engaged in a course where I would normally be zoning out. Overall I would like to have Jim back to teach other courses.
  • Kevin Aikenhead, Pattern Energy
    Jim did a great job with the material. He was very knowledgeable and used real-life examples that are always helpful!
  • Gurmel Multani, University of Toronto
    The instructor had good knowledge of the electrical safety training program. He kept the audience engaged and made it very interesting.
  • Gerry Bell, Cummins
    Jim was able to adjust on the fly to differences between course materials and trailer hardware vs examples we provided for our hardware.

Upcoming Courses

Jan 12 - Jan 12, 2026 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & Low Voltage Safety
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR26009 Register
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & High Voltage Safety - Qualified Electrical Worker Certification
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR26010 Register

All Courses Taught

VFD Essentials: Programming, Maintenance and Motor Control Troubleshooting

OUTLINE

How To Analytically Troubleshoot Complex Electrical Systems with Deductive Reasoning

OUTLINE

Arc Flash & High Voltage Safety - Qualified Electrical Worker Certification

OUTLINE

Arc Flash & Low Voltage Safety

OUTLINE

Arc Flash High Voltage Safety Refresher Certification

OUTLINE

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