Lead The Way Youth Graduate from IEC Central Ohio Pre‑Apprenticeship Program

Lead The Way proudly celebrates a major milestone for youth participants from New Albany, who successfully graduated from the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Central Ohio Pre‑Apprenticeship Program.

For the past several years, IEC Central Ohio has partnered with Lead the Way to provide meaningful, hands‑on workforce development opportunities for youth across Franklin County. This ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing young people for high‑demand careers through high‑quality training and real‑world exposure.

The most recent pre‑apprenticeship cohort completed an intensive 175 hours of pre‑apprenticeship curriculum, equipping participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills essential to entering the electrical trades. Throughout the program, youth received comprehensive instruction that emphasized safety, technical understanding, and professional readiness.

As a result of their dedication and consistency, participants earned:

• An official Pre‑Apprenticeship Certificate

• OSHA 10 Certification

• CPR and First Aid Certification

These industry‑recognized credentials position graduates for immediate entry into the electrician trade or allow them to pursue a college degree through an alternative, trade‑aligned pathway.

Lead The Way would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Malik Woods, Aarif Abdulrahman, and Jesus Olaves for their commitment, perseverance, and achievement throughout the program. Their success reflects not only their individual determination but also the value of strong community partnerships that create accessible pathways to sustainable careers.

“This accomplishment marks a significant step forward for our youth,” said Lead the

Way representatives. “With these certifications and experiences, they are prepared to enter the workforce confidently or continue their education with real‑world skills already in hand.”

Lead The Way remains committed to expanding career pathways and creating equitable access to workforce opportunities for young people across Central Ohio. The organization looks forward to continuing its partnership with IEC Central Ohio and celebrating future cohorts of successful graduates.