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

  • 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.
  • Kaila Stepanic, Pembina Pipelines
    “I found the instructor, Jim Roberts to be very knowledgeable and professional in his delivery of the course. The course was well organized and very informative.”
  • Parry Arnell, West Fraser
    "Jim is excellent with providing real life examples to help explain the VFD/Motor Troubleshooting is important to maintaining a plant uptime."
  • Brian Fluter, Pinnacle Renewable Energy
    Jim presented the course in a very professional manner. His field knowledge was very beneficial in the presentation.
  • Andreas Frangias, Toronto Transit Commission
    “Jim was excellent and provided clear and concise information. He also used multiple ways to convey all the training in a way that kept it interesting.”
  • 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...
  • Mario DiDonato, SofSurfaces
    Good information for getting a good base knowledge of arc flash and hazards.
  • Luigi Marchesi, Toronto Transit Commission
    “Great job, Jim goes through material in a clear understanding way. Jim was very thorough with both arc flash and high voltage material.”
  • Andy Scheibli, Lambton Kent DSB
    Informative, knowledgeable, entertaining.
  • Shoaib Patel, Toronto Transit Commission
    “Jim Roberts was a good instructor. He was very clear in helping us understand how to safely deal with high voltage. He also made us aware of all the dangers that we could come across.”
  • Garrison Supplee, Cummins
    Jim thoroughly delivered the information in a cheerful upbeat manner that made the 2-day course enjoyable and move quickly.
  • Steve Fritterer, GCT Deltaport
    Jim Roberts kept the course humorous and interesting. He kept us all under his supervision and helped when needed.
  • Mike Klamann, Toronto Transit Commission
    “I felt like I knew the instructor, Jim Roberts; he was really friendly.”
  • Denise Athaide, Cummins Inc.
    Jim did a good job of focusing on important material, keeping everyone's attention, and explaining important concepts.
  • Mike Zahra, Toronto Transit Commission
    “Good instructor, very knowledgeable.”

Upcoming Courses

Sep 17 - Sep 17, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash High Voltage Safety Refresher Certification
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25734 Register
Sep 18 - Sep 18, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & Low Voltage Safety
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25642 Register
Sep 18 - Sep 19, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & High Voltage Safety - Qualified Electrical Worker Certification
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25643 Register
Sep 29 - Oct 03, 2025 In Person
How To Analytically Troubleshoot Complex Electrical Systems with Deductive Reasoning
Barrie, ON OR25297 Register
Oct 06 - Oct 06, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & Low Voltage Safety
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25712 Register
Oct 06 - Oct 07, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & High Voltage Safety - Qualified Electrical Worker Certification
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25713 Register
Oct 27 - Oct 28, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & High Voltage Safety - Qualified Electrical Worker Certification
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25727 Register
Oct 27 - Oct 27, 2025 LIVE 2-Way Online
Arc Flash & Low Voltage Safety
Training 8am-4pm Toronto time, ON OR25726 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

Electro-Mechanical Deductive Reasoning for Heavy Equipment Technicians

OUTLINE

Fundamentals of Industrial and Substation Battery Testing & Maintenance

OUTLINE

Safe Electrical Switching and Arc Flash Awareness for Operators

OUTLINE

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