In an effort to innovate and adapt to our growing industry, Magnum Electric is implementing an in-house educational system called the PowerHouse. Officially launching August 2024, the PowerHouse will be run by Instructor, Christian Opp. Accreditation is currently processing with the North Dakota State Electrical Board. To register for the PowerHouse, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Why have our own program?
A lot has changed over the last 10+ years in our industry, technology, and culture, yet most of the electrical education system has not changed. There is a need to try something new and innovative. Having our own training will allow us to be more adaptive, provide a personal learning experience, as well as give us the ability to focus more on the practical side of electrical education.
For further questions, please reach out to Instructor Christian Opp at christianopp@magnumelectric.net or 701-551-3240.
Opp’s Background
Christian Opp is the lead instructor at the PowerHouse. Working for Magnum Electric as an apprentice electrician back in 2013, he obtained his journeyman license in 2016 and then his master’s license in 2018. He worked as a foreman for commercial/industrial construction and has experience as an electrical contractor for 2.5 years. He was introduced to the education side of the electrical industry from teaching apprenticeship night classes for the IEC Dakotas, as well as teaching at Mstate in Moorhead for three years. Most recently he has been spearheading the code classes at Magnum Electric throughout the past year while building the apprenticeship training program for the PowerHouse.
In-Person Learning
The new building adjacent to the West Fargo office is where the PowerHouse programs will take place. As of now, there is no online learning format. Therefore to attend the program, students need to work/live in the F-M area during their apprenticeship. However, the “Electrical Association,” apprenticeship program will still be available online for out-of-town apprentices (see HR for more info).
Class Environment
Within the PowerHouse there are lab cubicles to simulate bare stud framing to practice anything from branch circuit wiring, conduit bending, services, device and light fixture installations to raceway applications. The upstairs classroom will be used to study electrical theory, construction drawings, and the National Electrical Code. Occasionally site visits will be incorporated for a variety of learning experiences, such as visiting Cass County Electric’s powerplant, Border States Electric’s warehouse, Titan Machinery, and more.
Christian Opp has also been working with surrounding area’s high schools to integrate with some of their construction students to have them visit the PowerHouse for the opportunity to have our students “student teach” basic labs such as conduit bending or wiring outlets.
Classes
Located in the new building adjacent to the West Fargo office, classes will be open to anyone at Magnum Electric in the FM area. Class size will cap at 20 students/year with flexible schedules, totaling 16 hours/month in class. The PowerHouse Apprenticeship Program will offer:
-
Daytime classes (no night classes)
-
Meeting once a week
-
6-hour, 4-hour and 4-hour schedule
-
One week off a month from class
Class will run from 7:30am-2pm (with 30-minute lunch break) or 7:30am-11:30am on the 4-hour weeks. Which day of the week students have class will depend on which year they are in the program. There will be no class mid-October to mid-November for students to be available at work during the busy fall season before ground freeze. Class schedules will be shared to everyone internally for foreman to plan their work week accordingly when their apprentices are in class.
NEW: Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Another unique feature of our program will be a, “Pre-Apprenticeship Program.” This will be a two weeklong training program that focuses on basic skills to get new apprentices ready for the jobsite.
Topics will include:
-
industry orientation
-
materials
-
tools
-
basic working NEC knowledge
-
limited hands-on lab experience
This two-week program is worked into our accreditation hours to count towards graduation. All students will start year one with the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Starting fall of 2024, it will be offered throughout the school year for new hires. After completing the two-week course, they can start year one of the PowerHouse program the following fall. The goal of this program is to help brand new hires have basic knowledge prior to starting on a jobsite.
2025 PowerHouse Application
With an official launch date of August 2024, the class roster is already full for the first year! Tap the button below to apply for the 2025 school year.
