December 2002

Things were slow for a while after Gov. Davis signed AB1087 and the DAS finalized the 931 regulations. But, it's starting to heat up again.

The DAS made certification applications public around Thanksgiving, published the application on their website on December 3rd, and have been accepting applications and fees ever since. The first tests are to be administered as early as Dec. 17th.

Certification will become mandatory as of January 1, 2005 for all electricians employed by C-10 contractors, and it appears that everyone else, including the C-10 qualifier is exempt. Those working for a C-10 contractor who will not qualify for certification will be required to register with the DAS, enroll in a qualified training program and work under the direct supervision of a certified electrician until they meet the certification requirements and pass the exam. Some good news is that FLAC was successful in the fight to include Community College and Regional Occupational Programs as well as State registered apprenticeship programs as qualified programs

2003 should be an interesting year. The DAS must create a Curriculum committee before July 1st. The purpose is to establish written educational standards for enrollees in the training programs mentioned above. FLAC believes, like what has gone on before, that we can expect exclusion from the process and other shenanigans from those in the drivers seat. Additionally, with the current political climate, we can expect lots more fun and games from the legislature as they do the bidding of organized labor.