Choosing a career is like climbing to the top of a mountain—you need a strong path, the right gear, and the determination to reach new heights. Are you ready to reach new heights? If you’re looking for a job that provides stability, hands-on work, and long-term opportunities, becoming an electrician might be the perfect fit. If you’re ready to start a rewarding career, here are the top five reasons why becoming an electrician could be the right career path.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Career as an Electrician

Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, but becoming an electrician can help you build stability and the opportunity to advance in your career. This field is in high demand, and skilled electricians are needed everywhere—from homes and businesses to factories and power plants. If you’re considering this path, here are the top five reasons why you should choose a career as an electrician.

Reason #1: High Demand for Skilled Electricians

Electricians are in demand. Every residential or commercial building requires electrical work, and new construction projects need electricians to build out internal wiring that keeps power to the lights and devices. In addition, older buildings need upgrades to meet modern electrical codes. This means additional demand for skilled electricians. For example, with the rise of smart homes and energy-efficient technology, electricians are now installing advanced lighting systems, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations.

Reason #2: Hands-On Work with Problem-Solving Challenges

Being an electrician could be the right career for you if you enjoy working with your hands and solving real-world problems. Every job is different, and you’ll get to troubleshoot electrical issues, install new systems, and make sure everything functions safely and efficiently. For instance, you might be called to a home experiencing flickering lights. After an inspection, you may find an outdated wire or a faulty breaker panel causing the issue.

Reason #3: Earn While You Learn

Unlike many careers that require costly four year college degrees, electricians can enter the field after completing a trade school program. Trade school programs allow you to spend less money on tuition while gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.

During the Electrical Applications program at OBC, you’ll learn how to read blueprints, install wiring, and follow safety codes. This training helps you build fundamental skills while avoiding the high cost of traditional education. Once you complete the trade program and get 3 to 4 years of experience in the field, you can become a licensed electrician.

Reason #4: Varied Career Paths and Specializations

Being an electrician doesn’t mean you’re limited to one type of job. You can take many different paths in this field, allowing you to find something you are passionate about. Some electricians work in residential settings, wiring new homes and upgrading older systems. Others focus on commercial projects, such as wiring office buildings and retail spaces. Industrial electricians work with factories and power plants, while those in the renewable energy sector specialize in solar panels and wind turbines. You can also become an electrical inspector or start your own business.

Reason #5: A Career with Job Stability and Growth Potential

As long as people use electricity, skilled electricians will be required to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. In addition, the shift toward energy efficiency and innovative technology means electricians will continue to adapt. For example, electricians specializing in electric vehicle charging stations or home automation systems will continue to be needed. This career provides long-term stability with plenty of room for growth.

Why are Electricians in Demand?

Electricians wire and maintain homes, businesses, and industries to receive reliable power. With growing technological advancements and increasing construction projects, the demand for skilled electricians continues to rise. These are a few reasons why electricians are in demand.

Increase in Construction Projects

New residential and commercial buildings require electrical wiring and system installations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of electricians is expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, driven by new construction projects and the need to replace retiring workers.

Aging Electrical Systems Require Upgrades

Many buildings have outdated electrical systems that no longer meet building codes and modern energy demands. Older homes and commercial structures often require rewiring, panel upgrades, and new circuit installations to accommodate appliances and electronic devices. Electricians must bring these systems up to code and improve energy efficiency.

Advancements in Renewable Energy

The shift toward renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has increased the demand for electricians. The U.S. Department of Energy states that as more homeowners and businesses adopt solar panel installations, skilled electricians are required for setup, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, electricians can integrate renewable energy into existing power grids.

Rise of Smart Homes and Automation

Modern homes are becoming more advanced with smart devices, security systems, and automated lighting. Electricians must know how to install and maintain these systems so they function properly. With the popularity of smart thermostats, home automation, and advanced electrical components, the need for skilled electricians continues to increase.

Growth in Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure

With the rise in electric vehicle adoption, charging stations are becoming more common. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global number of EV chargers is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. Electricians install and maintain these charging stations, making them a vital part of the shift toward electric vehicles.

How Do You Become an Electrician?

Becoming an electrician is a great career choice if you enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. The process involves education, training, and certification to develop the skills needed to succeed as a skilled electrician. Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming an electrician:

Step #1: Complete the Electrical Applications Program at OBC

The first step to becoming an electrician is getting the proper training. OBC’s Electrical Applications program teaches the essential skills you need to work as an electrician. Hands-on training and classroom instruction teach you about wiring, circuits, safety procedures, and electrical codes. This program prepares you for entry-level positions and gives you a solid foundation to build your career.

Step #2: Gain Hands-On Experience

After completing the Electrical Applications program, you’ll need to get real-world experience. This is when electricians become apprentices, working under licensed professionals to apply what they’ve learned. This step is crucial to become a licensed electrician as the requirements include 3 to 4 years’ work experience.

Step #3: Earn Necessary Certifications

You will need to pass an exam to become a licensed electrician. In Ohio, you must complete an accredited electrical applications program, get 3 to 4 years work experience, and pass the electrical licensure exam administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Step #4: Start Your Career

Once you have the necessary training and certifications, you can work as a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician. Some electricians choose to specialize in areas like renewable energy or home automation. OBC even offers career services to help you find the right job or apprenticeship after graduation.

Why Choose OBC for Electrician Career Training?

Choosing the right training program is a critical step. Proper education will give you the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to enter the field confidently. OBC offers a strong Electrical Applications program to prepare you for real-world electrical work. Here’s why OBC is an excellent choice for electrician career training.

Comprehensive Hands-On Training

Electricians need more than just textbook knowledge, they need real-world experience. OBC’s Electrical Applications program provides hands-on training, so you learn the trade and understand how to work with electrical systems, wiring, circuits, and electrical techniques. This hands-on approach helps you build confidence and develop skills you can apply directly on the job.

Industry-Focused Curriculum

The Electrical Applications program at OBC covers topics such as electrical safety, blueprint reading, residential and commercial wiring, and electrical code requirements. The curriculum meets industry standards, so you learn the skills employers are looking for in entry-level electricians.

Experienced Instructors

OBC instructors have real-world experience in the electrical field. They offer guidance, insights, and industry best practices. Learning from experienced professionals helps you understand the daily responsibilities of an electrician.

Fast-Track Career Training

Unlike traditional four-year colleges, OBC’s Electrical Applications program quickly gets you into the workforce. The curriculum focuses on job-ready skills, allowing you to complete your training and start earning sooner.

Career Support Services

OBC supports you by offering career services, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.

Want to Learn More?

The Electrical Applications 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 Electrical Applications program today.