How Ensign College's inaugural vocational tech program is meeting industry needs — and fostering discipleship

SALT LAKE CITY — Heber Portlock is, well, aptly wired for Ensign College's new electrical training program.

The 21-year-old Riverton, Utah, resident was originally studying project management. But after learning Ensign College was launching a course for would-be electricians, he immediately shifted his education goals.

The hands-on electrical training program "just spoke to me," said Portlock. "I like to work with my hands, so I signed up right away. I think I was the first student enrolled."

Portlock's enthusiasm was found across Ensign College on Friday at a gathering to celebrate the school's first vocational and technical education program — the Residential Electrical Journeyman Certificate.

The program, which welcomed its first cohort in August, prepares Ensign College students for entry-level work in a field that's in high-demand across the nation.

And it's an AI-proof, automation-resistant job.

Ensign students are acquiring the electrical trade's foundational skills such as wiring systems and electrical components — while also mastering blueprint reading, National Electrical Code concepts and safety practices.

After completing his training at Ensign College and apprentice work hours, Portlock plans to take the state exam and become a licensed residential journeyman. Ultimately, he hopes to become a master electrician.

The college's launch of the Residential Journeyman Certificate is the first of several planned vocational and technical programs, with details to be determined.

A template for global vocational education

While the new program is expected to help fill an industry demand for electricians in Utah and across the United States, Ensign College leaders say the lessons being learned in its newly renovated vocational technical center stretch beyond employable skills.

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ensign College's mission is "to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ."

That mission extends to its cohort of future electricians. They are taking their maiden steps on a path of self-reliance.

"The trades are an invaluable skill to possess for the future needs of the kingdom and for all,' said Ensign College Vice President of Academics Tim Sloan. "I know this to be an inspired venture."

Sloan added that the instruction happening at Ensign College doubles as a template for global instruction in the skilled trades.

"What we do here we want to mimic and duplicate in the BYU Pathways global education centers worldwide, where we're doing three pilots right now in Johannesburg (South Africa), Cebu (Philippines), and Lagos, Nigeria."

BYU-Pathway Worldwide President Brian Ashton said Friday he was grateful for the vocational programs being launched at Ensign College.

"We're excited about it; we think it has great legs," Ashton said. "We just think it will make a real difference."

Ensign College: Fostering future electricians — 'and disciples of Christ'

Ensign College Dean of Applied Science Douglas McDougal said the electrical-residential journeyman program offers unique opportunities for hard-working students with "natural instincts" to learn using their hands.

"In the church, it's a religious responsibility to get as much education as you can," said McDougal. "This is a different line of education — but still meets that responsibility.

"There are wonderful opportunities in vocational tech right now."

Ensign College has also entered into an articulation agreement with Mountainland Technical College to support continued educational opportunities for students, according to the school.

Meanwhile, the electrical training program has been recognized by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing as preparing graduates, after meeting applicable state requirements, to be eligible to apply to take the Utah Residential Journeyman exam in two years.

But the opportunities, added McDougal, stretch beyond meeting industry needs.

"We're blessing the lives of students and giving them hands-on opportunities," he said. "But at the core of Ensign College, we're trying to develop disciples of Jesus Christ by having that component of self-reliance."

Enrollment for the October 26 cohort is now open, with limited seats available to support small cohort instruction and individualized support.

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