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2017-07-25 Home Front: Politix

Trump's Labor Secretary Tells State Lawmakers: 'Fix Occupational Licensing'

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Posted by g(r)omgoru 2017-07-25 16:09|| || Front Page|| [2 views ] Top

#1 Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, and the like.

If one can pass the written tests and maybe a practical test, that should do it. Four years of next to impossible to get apprenticeship should be eliminated as it's an old hold over union rule that's no longer needed.

We have a serious shortage of skilled trade people because they cannot get an apprenticeship, but is otherwise fully qualified to do the job. We have inspectors to make sure the job is done right.

Those jobs are really not that hard to do right.

Posted by Seeking cure for ignorance 2017-07-25 16:29|| 2017-07-25 16:29|| Front Page Top

#2 Seeking, all three trades you mention have installation procedures and serious safety protocols that one does not learn overnight, in 90 days or even in 3 years. The 'mechanics' of a specific type of install might be readily learned, but learning the wide variety of construction types, applicable codes and how to actually do things without injuring or killing yourself (or someone else) take a bit longer.

Technology changes, too. When apprenticeships were shorter, technology overtook the existing training and today's longer educational periods were warranted.

Today's electrician has to know about photovoltaics, communications systems (including fiber optic), HVAC and Building Automation control networks, working with voltages up through 35kV and even how to work with 'Knob & Tube' wiring in old buildings (which is still a legal system, by the way - you just can't install 'new').

Today's plumber has to know about boilers, pumps, heat-reclaim systems, civil utilities, gas piping, various hydronic heating schemes, along with rural septic systems and your kitchen faucet.

Today's Carpenter (unless 'rough-only') has to know about all the various structural requirements and building/roof insulation systems. The ones that do the finish 'Trim' work have to be not only accurate, but also innovative in making what the customer wants actually fit into the available space.

Inspectors for the above trades, and most try to be diligent, are usually in a time crunch to get on to the next site so may not look at everything on a granular level. They have to trust that the tradesperson is performing quality work. By the professional installer having the trade license, a level of confidence in the finished product can be assumed by the inspector. They're not there to tell you how to correct your errors, that's not their job. They'll just make you rip it out and start again. Since they did find one problem, they'll be really critical for the rest of the installation.

And they'll be back again and again until it's all done correctly. You won't get your occupancy certificate and the 're-inspection' fees can get pretty steep.

Posted by Mullah Richard 2017-07-25 17:43|| 2017-07-25 17:43|| Front Page Top

#3 Dang, it's late in the day and I'll like to respond to this.

But I'll try for that tomorrow. I'll save this article.

Posted by Seeking cure for ignorance 2017-07-25 22:30|| 2017-07-25 22:30|| Front Page Top

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