Did you know that to legally work as an electrical contractor in Ohio, you must have an electrician license? The good news is that there are steps you can take to become a licensed electrician. And it all starts at OBC with our Electrician trade program.

How Do I Navigate the Steps to Licensing as an Electrician?

There are a few steps that you must complete to become a licensed electrician. These steps include:

Step #1: Complete the Electrician Program at OBC

You can either immediately start as an apprentice or complete the Electrician program at OBC. There are some advantages to completing the educational program first. These advantages include:

A Quicker Path to Licensing – did you know that you need to complete 3 to 4 years of apprenticeship to be eligible for an electrician license? The good news is that you only have to complete three instead of four years because the Electrician program at OBC counts as one year of work experience. You can complete the Electrician program in as little as nine months and then start working as an apprentice.

A Complete Curriculum – starting as an apprentice allows you to earn quicker, but you may also find that you have knowledge gaps or are pigeonholed into a specific niche. Maybe you repair residential electrical wiring, but never learn how to work on commercial or industrial wiring. By completing the Electrician program at OBC, you cover all your bases and gain knowledge and skills that will prepare you for anything your new career throws at you. Take the time to learn the complete curriculum, and you will thank yourself one day soon.

Hands-on Training – another advantage to completing the Electrician program is the hands-on training you will receive, guided by industry experienced instructors. You can make mistakes and learn from them without catastrophic consequences. Then, when you can start your new electrician role with the confidence to complete any task or project.

Career Services – it can be hard to find the right apprenticeship. The good news is that OBC offers career services to help you find the apprenticeship that fits your skill set and passion. We have strong ties with employers in the community, and employers know that OBC graduates are work-ready starting day one.

Step #2: Complete an Apprenticeship

The next step toward becoming a licensed electrician is to complete an apprenticeship. You must complete three years as an apprentice if you complete the educational program. You will be able to hone your skills under the strict supervision of a licensed electrician. You will install and maintain various wiring systems from residential and commercial to industrial.

Step #3: Apply For a License

You can apply for the license after completing the educational program and an apprenticeship. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues the contractor’s license to qualified electricians. Once you receive your license, you can manage electrical projects and electrician apprentices.

What are the Benefits of an Electrician License?

There are many benefits to becoming a licensed electrician. These benefits include:

Independent Contracting

In Ohio, you must be licensed to become an independent contractor, or someone that leads a project. Without the license, you must work under a licensed electrician, so a license gives you the freedom to pick your projects or start your own contractor business.

Peace of Mind

Employers want to hire licensed electricians who have proven their knowledge and skills by completing the licensing process. Customers will also look for a contractor’s license number to know they are working with a professional.

Confidence

Knowing that you have completed the necessary steps to become a licensed electrician will give you confidence when you start working as an independent contractor. You have worked in the industry for over four years and have plenty of experience with residential, commercial and industrial wiring systems.

Job Variety

After completing your education, apprenticeship, and licensing, you are ready to take on various electrician jobs. You can work on residential, commercial, or industrial jobs, new construction or electrical maintenance. There are many different electrician jobs available, especially since you have experience installing, maintaining, and repairing various electrical systems.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the steps to becoming a licensed electrician, it is time to learn more about OBC. In as little as nine months, you can start working as an electrician under the supervision of a licensed electrician. At OBC, we offer both day and evening classes, so you can create a flexible schedule that fits your life. Start your journey toward becoming a licensed electrician, and OBC will be with you every step of the way.

Want to Learn More?

The Electrician Diploma program at OBC is geared toward the hands-on training that you need to step right into the workforce as a junior electrician. Students learn theory in the classroom and then apply those skills in a lab setting, including the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers, a/c and d/c motor control circuits, instrumentation, and programmable logic controller, and more. 

Contact us today to learn more about our Electrician program today.