Think about everything around you that runs on electricity. The lights in your house, your phone charger, even the electric car parked in your neighbor’s driveway. What do they all have in common? All of them depend on skilled electricians. And right now, there’s never been a better time to join this field.

The Demand Is Real

Electricians are in short supply, and the need is only growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for electricians are projected to grow 9% between 2024 and 2034. That works out to around 81,000 job openings every year as older electricians retire and new projects start building.

Plus, the rise of clean energy is also fueling this demand. Solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle charging stations need trained electricians. As more states push renewable energy goals, electricians will be on the front lines keeping everything connected.

Stability You Can Count On

Power is a necessity. Even during recessions, homes and businesses still need electricians. That’s why electricians are considered essential workers. Unlike some careers that face automation, electrical work requires problem-solving in real situations. Robots can’t crawl through attics, diagnose wiring problems, or design complex power systems.

So Many Paths to Choose From

One of the best parts about becoming an electrician is that you have options. Here are a few specializations:

Residential work – Installing and repairing wiring, outlets, and panels in homes.

Commercial projects – Working in offices, hospitals, or retail spaces with larger systems.

Industrial roles – Handling complex machines and systems inside factories and plants.

Construction projects – Wiring new buildings from the ground up.

Clean energy jobs – Specializing in solar, wind, and electric vehicle charging stations.

Running your own business – Becoming a licensed contractor and building a team.

Learn and then Earn

Training to become an electrician doesn’t take as long as many people think. Most technical school programs last less than one year.  Compare that to college: four years of tuition, textbooks, and living costs, often with no income. By the time your peers graduate a four-year college, you will already have years of hands-on experience and a solid career.

A Trade That’s Always Evolving

If you think electrical work is just about wires and outlets, think again. Technology is changing what electricians do every day.

Smart homes – Homeowners want systems that control lights, thermostats, and security from their phones.

Electric vehicles – EV chargers are becoming as common as water heaters in garages.

Energy efficiency – Businesses are upgrading to advanced lighting and power systems to cut costs.

Electricians who learn these skills can stand out. Being able to install a home automation system or connect renewable energy sources makes you more valuable to employers and customers.

Room to Grow

Getting licensed as an electrician is just the start. Over time, you can become a project manager, or open your own business. Some electricians teach apprentices or work as inspectors. There’s no shortage of growth opportunities. Whether you want to climb the ladder or start your own business, you have options.

A Career You Can Be Proud Of

There’s something rewarding about knowing your work has an immediate impact on your community. When you wire a home, light up a new business, or fix a dangerous problem, you’re directly improving people’s lives.

Why Right Now Is the Perfect Time

The shortage of electricians is real. A large portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement age. At the same time, demand from new construction and renewable energy is rising fast. That combination means big opportunities for anyone willing to start training now.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an electrician offers a rewarding career. With job growth and opportunities to advance, consider starting the Electrical Applications Diploma program at OBC. If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference and is in demand, now is the time to plug into the electrical field.

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, programmable logic controllers, and more. 

Contact us to learn more about our Electrical Applications program today.