OJT Hours TrackingTrack Your Electrician Apprentice Hours
SparkShift is the #1 OJT tracking app for IBEW electricians. GPS-verified hours, all 12 work categories, digital supervisor sign-offs, and DOL-compliant PDF reports that your JATC and state board will accept.
Free tier + 30-day Pro trial. No credit card required. iOS and Android.
How Do I Track My Electrician Apprentice Hours?
To track your electrician apprentice hours, use a GPS-verified app like SparkShift. When you arrive at the jobsite, clock in with the app to record your GPS location and start time. Select your work category (such as Raceways & Boxes or Motors & Controllers) and add notes about your tasks.
At the end of your shift, clock out to record your end time and location. Your supervising journeyman or foreman can then digitally approve your hours directly from their phone. These GPS-verified, digitally-signed hours can be exported as PDF reports that meet DOL Form 671 standards and are accepted by JATCs and state licensing boards.
What is OJT Hour Tracking?
On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours are the documented work hours that electrical apprentices must complete to earn their journeyman license. IBEW apprentices typically need to log 8,000 hours across 12 different work categories over 4-5 years.
These hours must be verified by a licensed journeyman or master electrician and documented according to Department of Labor (DOL) standards. State licensing boards require complete records with supervisor signatures before issuing a journeyman license.
SparkShift makes OJT tracking easy with GPS verification, digital supervisor sign-offs, and exportable reports that meet JATC and state board requirements. Log your hours in seconds from your phone and never worry about lost paperwork again.
Everything You Need to Track OJT Hours
Built by electricians, for electricians. Features designed for the real world of apprenticeship.
GPS-Verified Clock-In
Every time entry is stamped with GPS coordinates. Prove you were on the jobsite when you logged your hours. Accepted by JATCs and state licensing boards.
12 Work Category Tracking
Log hours across all 12 IBEW/DOL work categories. Track your progress toward the 8,000-hour requirement with visual dashboards and analytics.
DOL-Compliant Reports
Generate PDF reports matching DOL Form 671 standards. Includes digital signatures, complete hour breakdowns, and audit-ready documentation.
Digital Supervisor Sign-Off
Get digital approvals from your journeyman or foreman directly in the app. Legally binding under the ESIGN Act. No more chasing paper forms.
State Board Accepted
Built to meet Department of Labor, JATC, and state licensing board standards. Export reports directly for license applications.
Works Offline
Log hours even without cell service on remote jobsites. Your entries sync automatically when you're back online. Never lose a single hour.
The 12 IBEW Work Categories Explained
SparkShift tracks hours across all 12 DOL/IBEW work process categories. Each category represents a specific area of electrical work that apprentices must master.
Raceways & Boxes
Process 1Installation and assembly of raceways including EMT, IMC, RMC, PVC, and flexible conduit. Includes bending, cutting, threading, and mounting of conduit systems, junction boxes, and pull boxes.
Conductors & Cables
Process 2Pulling, splicing, and terminating conductors and cables. Includes proper sizing, color coding, labeling, and testing of wire installations per NEC requirements.
Wiring Devices
Process 3Installation of switches, receptacles, dimmers, sensors, and other wiring devices. Includes proper box fill calculations and device mounting techniques.
Motors & Controllers
Process 4Motor installation, connection, and troubleshooting. Includes VFD programming, motor starter wiring, overload sizing, and control circuit installation.
Lighting Systems
Process 5Installation of lighting fixtures, controls, and emergency lighting systems. Includes LED retrofits, dimming systems, occupancy sensors, and photocells.
Transformers
Process 6Transformer installation including dry-type and liquid-filled units. Covers proper connections, grounding, overcurrent protection, and load calculations.
Switchboards & Panelboards
Process 7Installation and termination of switchboards, panelboards, and distribution equipment. Includes proper labeling, load scheduling, and working clearances.
Overcurrent Protection
Process 8Selection and installation of overcurrent protective devices. Includes circuit breakers, fuses, GFCI/AFCI protection, and coordination studies.
Grounding & Bonding
Process 9Installation of grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding conductors, and bonding jumpers. Includes ground resistance testing and documentation.
Special Systems
Process 10Installation of fire alarm, data/communications, security, and other low-voltage systems. Includes proper separation from power circuits and testing.
Service & Maintenance
Process 11Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. Includes diagnostic techniques, component replacement, and system upgrades.
Safety & Theory
Process 12Safety training, NEC code study, and classroom instruction. Includes OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, first aid, and related theory training hours.
Paper Log vs. Digital Tracking
See why apprentices are switching from paper logbooks to SparkShift.
| Feature | Paper Logbook | Excel/Spreadsheet | SparkShift |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Verification | |||
| Can't Lose Hours | |||
| Digital Signatures | |||
| Automatic Backups | |||
| Category Tracking | |||
| PDF Export | |||
| Works Offline | |||
| State Board Accepted |
How GPS Verification Works
GPS-verified hours prove you were on the jobsite. No more questions from your JATC or state board.
Clock In at Jobsite
Open SparkShift and tap 'Clock In' when you arrive at the jobsite. The app captures your GPS coordinates automatically.
Select Work Category
Choose the work category that matches your tasks (e.g., Raceways & Boxes, Motors & Controllers). Add optional notes about specific work performed.
Work Your Shift
SparkShift runs in the background. Your hours are tracked even if you close the app or lose cell service.
Clock Out
When your shift ends, tap 'Clock Out.' GPS coordinates are recorded again to verify your location.
Supervisor Approval
Your journeyman or foreman receives a notification to review and digitally sign your hours from their phone.
Hours Verified
Your hours are now GPS-verified, supervisor-approved, and stored securely. Export anytime for your JATC or state board.
Why GPS Verification Matters
GPS verification provides irrefutable proof that you were at the jobsite when you logged your hours. This eliminates disputes with training directors, satisfies state board documentation requirements, and protects your hours from being questioned. JATCs increasingly require GPS verification for hour submissions.
State OJT Hour Requirements
Hour requirements and journeyman-to-apprentice ratios vary by state. SparkShift works with all state boards.
| State | Required Hours | J:A Ratio | Accepts Digital |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Texas | 8,000 | 1:3 | |
| Florida | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| New York | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Illinois | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Ohio | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Michigan | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Pennsylvania | 8,000 | 1:1 | |
| Georgia | 8,000 | 1:3 | |
| Washington | 8,000 | 1:1 |
J:A Ratio = Journeyman to Apprentice supervision ratio. Check your state board for current requirements.
Built for Department of Labor Standards
SparkShift generates reports that meet DOL Form 671 standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Every hour you log includes the documentation required for federal and state compliance.
Digital signatures on SparkShift are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act). State boards and JATCs accept digitally-signed hour reports just like paper forms.
Common OJT Tracking Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes have cost apprentices months or years of progress. Learn from others' experiences.
Not logging hours daily
Forgotten hours are lost hours. State boards won't accept estimated or backdated entries without verification.
SparkShift sends daily reminders and makes logging take less than 10 seconds.
Wrong work category
Hours logged in the wrong category don't count toward that category's requirement. You may need to re-do hours.
SparkShift shows category descriptions and examples to ensure accurate logging.
Missing supervisor signatures
Unsigned hours are often rejected by JATCs and state boards. Paper forms get lost or forgotten.
Digital sign-off in SparkShift takes 30 seconds and creates a permanent record.
No backup of paper logs
Lost or damaged logbooks mean starting over. House fires, truck break-ins, and coffee spills have cost apprentices years.
SparkShift stores hours in the cloud with automatic backups and encryption.
Incomplete documentation
State boards may require job descriptions, employer info, and specific date ranges. Missing details delay applications.
SparkShift captures all required fields and generates complete reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about OJT tracking for electrical apprentices.
How do I track my electrician apprentice hours?
To track your electrician apprentice hours, use a GPS-verified app like SparkShift. Clock in when you arrive at the jobsite, select your work category (like Raceways & Boxes or Motors & Controllers), and clock out when you leave. Get your journeyman or foreman to digitally approve your hours. Export PDF reports for your JATC or state board. This method is accepted by most licensing boards and meets DOL Form 671 standards.
What is OJT hour tracking?
OJT (On-the-Job Training) hour tracking is the process of documenting work hours completed during an electrical apprenticeship. IBEW apprentices typically must complete 8,000 hours across 12 work categories over 4-5 years to qualify for their journeyman license. Accurate tracking with supervisor verification is required by the Department of Labor and state licensing boards.
How many OJT hours do I need to become a journeyman electrician?
Most states require 8,000 OJT hours to become a journeyman electrician. This is typically completed over 4-5 years alongside classroom instruction. Hours must be spread across different work categories (like conduit, wiring devices, motors, and grounding) and verified by a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
Does the DOL accept digital logbooks for apprentice hours?
Yes, the Department of Labor accepts digital logbooks for apprentice hour tracking, provided they meet specific documentation standards. Digital logs must include timestamps, work category classifications, supervisor verification, and complete audit trails. SparkShift's GPS-verified tracking and digital signatures exceed DOL requirements.
How does SparkShift track my apprentice hours?
SparkShift lets you clock in and out from your phone with GPS verification. When you arrive at the jobsite, open the app and tap 'Clock In.' The app records your GPS coordinates, timestamp, and selected work category. At the end of your shift, your journeyman can review and digitally sign your hours. All data is stored securely and can be exported as signed PDF reports.
What are the 12 IBEW work categories for OJT hours?
The 12 IBEW work categories are: 1) Raceways & Boxes, 2) Conductors & Cables, 3) Wiring Devices, 4) Motors & Controllers, 5) Lighting Systems, 6) Transformers, 7) Switchboards & Panelboards, 8) Overcurrent Protection, 9) Grounding & Bonding, 10) Special Systems, 11) Service & Maintenance, and 12) Safety & Theory. Apprentices must log hours in each category to develop comprehensive skills.
Can my foreman or journeyman sign my hours remotely?
Yes. With SparkShift, your foreman or journeyman can review and digitally sign your hours from their own phone, even if they're not physically with you. Digital signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) and are accepted by JATCs and state boards.
What happens if I lose my apprentice logbook?
Losing a paper logbook can be devastating. Without backup records, you may need to re-do thousands of hours. State boards typically cannot accept hours without documentation. With SparkShift, your hours are stored securely in the cloud with automatic backups. You can never lose your hours due to lost, stolen, or damaged paper logs.
Does SparkShift work for non-union apprentices?
Yes. While SparkShift supports all 12 IBEW work categories, it works equally well for non-union apprenticeship programs. The app meets DOL and state board requirements regardless of union affiliation. You can also customize categories if your program has specific requirements.
How do I submit my hours to the state licensing board?
With SparkShift, go to Reports and select your date range. Generate a PDF report that includes all your hours, work categories, supervisor signatures, and GPS verification data. Download or email the report directly to your state licensing board. Most boards accept digital submissions, and SparkShift's format meets their documentation requirements.
Is SparkShift free for apprentices?
SparkShift offers a free tier for apprentices that includes basic OJT hour tracking with GPS verification. Pro features like unlimited exports, advanced reporting, multi-employer support, and priority support are available after a 30-day free trial. No credit card required to start.
What is the journeyman to apprentice ratio in my state?
Journeyman to apprentice ratios vary by state. Most states require a 1:1 ratio (one journeyman supervising one apprentice), while some states like Texas and Georgia allow 1:3 ratios. Check your state's licensing board for specific requirements. SparkShift can track supervision ratios and alert you to compliance issues.
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