Safe Electric’s Apprenticeship Model Success

The United States has a long and proud history of apprenticeship training. Often supported by labor and training organizations, apprenticeships prepare workers for essential and high-paying jobs critical to the country’s infrastructure. However, the traditional apprenticeship training model can often take years to produce job-ready talent and is far too slow to keep up with the growing demand for essential workers.

With the help of education technology and virtual online training, employers can now address current labor shortage challenges in-house. By offering a new apprenticeship training model that is fast, affordable, and can upskill their talent, employers can continue to grow their businesses and digitally support the new skilled workforce without compromising on standards.

To illustrate this new model in action, we spotlight electrical apprentice Austin Christopher. Austin recently shared his experiences at Safe Electric, an electrical company in Columbus, Ohio, which is embracing new digital learning opportunities to build their in-house apprenticeship program in partnership with Interplay Learning.

From California to Ohio

A common residential electrical repair in Ohio kickstarted Austin’s electrical career, moving him from California. Austin’s sister, living in Ohio, contacted Safe Electric for work at her house. Impressed by their service, she learned about their active apprenticeship program and encouraged Austin to apply.

Hire for Attitude, Train for Aptitude

Due to the current skills shortage and Austin’s proactive attitude, Safe Electric welcomed him into their new apprenticeship program. With no previous program in place, Safe Electric had recently invested in Interplay’s on-demand skills training platform to create one. This investment standardized their training and enabled them to grow talent in-house. With Interplay, they created multiple custom learning paths filled with expert-led video and simulation content, laying out multi-step pathways that could take even the greenest apprentice from their first day to graduation in just 1-2 years, alongside on-the-job training.

Jessica Morrison, General Manager of Safe Electric, shared:

“Austin didn’t waste any time. He immediately jumped into the online training platform and plowed through multiple levels, completing about 20 courses from his learning pathways before his first day with us!”

The Learner’s Perspective

Training that Fits People’s Lives, Not the Inverse

Austin described how Interplay’s alternative apprenticeship pathway made his life easier as he built up his skills from scratch:

“Coming into Safe Electric as an apprentice, I had no electrical experience besides some DIY projects I had done at home like installing ceiling fans, lights, swapping outlets, etc.

With Interplay’s courses, I incorporate learning into my evenings after work to further my skills. The online training, in addition to my on-the-job learning, has helped expedite my knowledge grasp in the field.

Typically, I will average about 2 hours/week, but that may vary if I have additional assignments due in the coming weeks. I’ll spend up to 8-10 hours a week to ensure all courses are completed early. To date, I’ve completed 5 Apprentice Levels and four additional courses for a total of about 30 courses.”

Safety Above All

The electrical trade places high importance on safety. Austin shared how the online training prepared him for dangerous on-the-job scenarios:

“The knowledge pertaining to code, installation procedures, safety, and general practices has fast-tracked me to advancement within the company.

The courses on NEC code have helped the most in my development because, at Safe Electric, we pride ourselves on being knowledgeable, safe Electricians. When we complete work at people’s homes, it’s critical that we know current code and practices so that the customer can rest assured they are receiving top quality, proper electrical work that will pass the most stringent inspections.”

Putting Skills to the Test in the “Real-World”

Austin explained how well the training translates to real-world applications:

“The online training definitely helps in real-world applications. The video demonstrations and 3D labs help in particular with my understanding of installation techniques and NEC codes pertaining to each project. The lessons on diagnosing circuits and fixtures helped me significantly in my ability to narrow down the cause of electrical issues in customers’ homes.

There are two things, in particular, I like about this training method over others:

1. 1.

   I like how the lessons, pictures, and narration are current. So much training I’ve had to complete for other jobs was 30 years outdated and bored me to sleep.

2. 2.

   If I get a question incorrect, the system tells me why I missed it and what the correct answer is rather than simply telling me I’m wrong.”

Today’s Workforce Needs to Feel Invested in

Austin discussed how the training made him feel invested in and helped him advance his career goals:

“The training and treatment I’ve received thus far at Safe Electric have been unmatched by any previous company I have worked for. The desire for me to succeed is felt and greatly appreciated.

The training has boosted my confidence and allowed me to partake in more advanced projects with higher-level apprentices and lead technicians in a fraction of the time an average apprentice would advance.

I would love to continue in the electrical field doing service work in the near future. If there is additional training from Interplay, I do believe it will help me advance further in my service work.”

When asked if he would recommend the training to others:

“I would recommend Interplay training to anyone starting out in the Electrical field.

It provides the knowledge to get you on your feet running and put you ahead of those who have no experience and even those who may have been through a trade school. You receive practical knowledge and real-world examples of diagnostics and installations to understand before applying the knowledge on the job.”

The Employer’s Perspective

Austin is one of 11 apprentices who have gone through Safe Electric’s apprenticeship program. To date, 100% of the apprentices that started the program have continued with it or graduated into full-time, profit-generating employees.

Jessica and the Safe Electric team are pleased with their apprentices’ rapid development and safety-forward mindset. The learning culture they’ve cultivated contributes to confident learners like Austin, who feel valued and motivated to stay on as employees.

Jessica shared:

“Interplay took us from a place where we had a non-existent apprenticeship program to having something we are proud of.

Before, we had no objective way to tell if an apprentice was field-ready. It was based on a hope and pray method, which had its growth limitations. Apprentices cost us money, so if we can get them to a more profitable state faster, it is a win-win situation.

I would definitely say that Interplay has helped shorten the time it takes from Green to trade. An apprentice may never get the opportunity to experience certain scenarios on-the-job, so Interplay helps fill in those less common learning gaps with safe and repeatable practice they can do in their own time.”

Thank you to Safe Electric for partnering to deliver a modern apprenticeship program and to Austin Christopher for sharing his feedback.