A community college in Ohio has partnered with a electrical workers' union to make it easier for chapter members to earn their associate's degree.

According to The Chronicle-Telegram, members who complete an apprenticeship program that is offered by the labor union will receive about 36 credit hours toward a technical studies degree. Students will also have to take other general education classes such as English, social sciences and math in order to fulfill the degree requirements.

Partnerships between labor unions and community colleges are gaining popularity throughout Ohio. A total of eight of the 23 two-year colleges in the Buckeye State have reached agreements with labor groups, and the news source reports that more are in development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of job opportunities for electricians will increase by 12 percent over the next eight years. As the nation places more emphasis on facilities that conserve energy, new employees should be well-versed in green building codes and how to perform installations such as solar panels and motion sensors for turning on lights.