Electrical Trades

Check out the Electrical Trades Intro Video!
An Overview of the Electrical Trades Program

Advances in technology and increasing demand for both renewable and conventional electrical power make the work of an electrician more dynamic, more interesting and much more diverse than many other professions. Technology provides society new electrical systems daily, the challenge for electricians is to master these new advances in technology so the customer enjoys a safe, secure and reliable system.

Virtually every structure has some form of an installed electrical system. Structures employing electrical systems can be broadly defined into four categories – Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Institutional. While the skill set necessary to install and maintain these different systems is varied, foundational knowledge of the characteristics of electricity and basic circuitry are a common underpinning for all of these systems.

Pre-apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs provide both the hands-on skills and the technical classroom related knowledge required to find success in this dynamic, exciting profession. The career path for a highly skilled electrician is paved on the bedrock of Pre-apprenticeship. 

Career Opportunities

  • Industrial Electrician 
  • Commercial Electrician
  • Inside Wireman
  • Outside Linemen 
  • Electrical Installer Technician

Career Skills Developed

  • Application of mathematical principles to elementary electrical problems
  • Wiring applications including installation, safety, and on-the-job activities
  • Students will be introduced to apprentice responsibilities, industry structure, and basic electrical safety 
  • Fundamentals of DC circuits and theory

Program Highlights

  • Work Based Learning opportunity during second semester of senior year
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Internship opportunities (opportunity to learn through a paid internship the summer after their junior year and throughout their senior year)
  • Apprenticeship opportunities
(Electrical Major-Inside Wireman Pathway)
(Facilities Maintenance Pathway)

Suggested Skill Set

  • Empathy
  • Friendliness
  • Collaboration
  • Self-Management
  • Optimism​
  • Critical Thinking
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Persistence​
  • Sensitivity
  • Prioritizing
  • Verbal Communication
  • Non-Verbal Communication

Additional Features

  • Students have the opportunity to earn their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification.
  • Students will participate in SkillsUSA, a student leadership organization, which is part of the curriculum.
  • Students who successfully complete the two-year Electrical Trades program may receive advanced college credits through agreements with some of Ohio's community colleges, including Columbus State Community College.

Electrical Trades Students Visit LifeLine Mobile

Electrical Trades students recently visited LifeLine Mobile in Obetz to tour the facility, and explore what career paths their company has to offer. LifeLine Mobile specializes in creating high-quality, unique medical mobile units.  In response to the visit, John Coblentz of LifeLine Mobile emailed Dawn Weaver, our Career Pathway Specialist, and stated, "Thank you again Dawn for organizing/hosting the visit of the electrical-trade students and Kevin Rankin last week. The active interaction of students/Kevin/our production staff was the highlight for me. Early in 2023, I will reach out to participate in the interview process – perhaps succeed in attracting a few electrical-trade students." 
Pictured below: SWCA Electrical Trades teacher Kevin Rankin (right) with former student Spencer Noble (left), who is now the Cell Lead at LifeLine Mobile.