Ensign College Launched New Electrical Training Program

The Salt Lake City institution introduced a vocational certificate to address demand for skilled electricians.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints

Bold vector editorial illustration showing electrical wires and tools on a workbench, representing professional electrical training. — Ensign College has introduced a Residential Electrical Journeyman Certificate in Salt Lake City to address growing demand for skilled trade professionals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ensign College, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed its first cohort for a Residential Electrical Journeyman Certificate in August 2026. The program provides hands-on instruction in wiring systems and electrical safety to address labor shortages.

Why it matters

This vocational initiative aims to meet the high demand for trained electricians in Utah and across the United States. By partnering with Mountainland Technical College, the program offers a pathway for students to prepare for state licensure.

The curriculum spans blueprint reading, National Electrical Code standards, and safety practices. Students typically require two years of combined training and apprenticeship before sitting for the state residential journeyman exam.

The players

Ensign College

This Salt Lake City higher education institution is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mountainland Technical College

This educational institution entered into an articulation agreement with Ensign College to support the vocational program.

Utah Division of Professional Licensing

This state agency oversees professional standards and recognizes the new training program for journeyman exam eligibility.

Heber Portlock

The 21-year-old student is currently enrolled in the electrical training program and plans to pursue state licensure.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide

This organization is currently managing three global vocational education pilots in Johannesburg, Cebu, and Lagos.

The details

The program utilizes small cohorts to ensure individualized student support as participants acquire trade skills. It is formally recognized by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing as a preparation course for the residential journeyman examination.

The first student cohort began training in August 2026.
Enrollment is currently open for a new cohort starting October 26, 2026.
Graduates become eligible for the state journeyman exam two years after training.

Culture Shift

This program reflects the Church's broader movement toward integrating vocational and technical training into its traditional educational mission. It mirrors global pilot programs currently operating in Johannesburg, Cebu, and Lagos to provide practical trade skills.

Students can now pursue a specialized path to state certification within the Salt Lake City area. Prospective applicants must manage the two-year timeline required for training and apprentice hours before gaining full journeyman status.

The takeaway

Hands-on trade programs are increasingly prioritized by educational institutions to bridge the gap between academic study and workforce needs. Interested students should verify state licensing requirements early to ensure their training pathway matches professional board standards.