Ohio’s Newark Electrical School Expands to Meet Surging Demand for Electricians
HEATH, Ohio — Inside a bustling training facility in Newark, future electricians are hard at work. The Newark Electrical Apprenticeship program, run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), is preparing the next generation of skilled workers—and it’s growing faster than ever.
With demand for electricians soaring nationwide, Ohio is feeling the pressure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in electrician jobs from 2024 to 2034, driven by massive data center projects, green energy infrastructure, and ongoing construction needs.
From Machine Shop to a Life-Changing Career
Rachel Sisk, a third-year apprentice, never imagined she’d become an electrician. Before joining the program, she worked at a machine shop but struggled with low wages. A friend’s suggestion changed everything.
“I said, ‘I don’t know how to be an electrician,’” Sisk recalled. “He told me, ‘That’s the point—they teach you.’”
Now a union member, Sisk earns $21 an hour plus benefits while learning on the job. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said. “I’ve never felt more stable.”
Outgrowing the Classroom
The program’s rapid expansion has forced administrators to think bigger. In 2017, only 35 apprentices were enrolled. By April 2026, that number exploded to over 900—and it’s still climbing.
“We moved into this space and realized we’re already outgrowing it,” said Daryl Jones, the school’s special projects coordinator.
To keep up, the school purchased a former Sears building, transforming it into a 92,000-square-foot training hub. Once completed, the facility will accommodate 2,000 students across 16 classrooms, making it the largest electrician training center in Ohio—and a potential national model.
Why Electricians Are in High Demand
The surge in apprenticeships is directly tied to Ohio’s booming construction sector. Data centers, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar farms all require skilled electricians.
“Our growth is always linked to the work available in the area,” Jones explained.
Unlike traditional trade schools, the Newark program removes barriers to entry. “It used to be you had to know someone to get into a union trade,” Jones said. “Now, if you’re willing to learn, we’ll train you.”
A Secure Future in an Uncertain Job Market
For Sisk, the career has been transformative. She no longer worries about financial instability and can provide for her children without hesitation.
“Before, my kids would ask, ‘Can you buy me this when you get money?’” she said. “Now, they say, ‘I need this,’ and I can say, ‘Let’s do it.’”
With the new facility expected to open soon, the Newark Electrical School is poised to train thousands more—ensuring Ohio’s workforce is ready for the electrician shortage ahead.
— Reported by Nexio News
