Electricity 100

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brian john

brian john

Senior Member
Location
Leesburg, VA
I would suggest that all apprentices ask for a letter from their employers stating how long they were employed by the firm at time of transfer, termination or as the company folds. I was fortunate enough to work for an electrician 38 years ago that suggested that to me (he was trying to get his J-card and was having a rough time proving time in trade). I have letters from every employer starting day one.

Years later when you try to obtain a J card or masters license the old employer may be too lazy, out of business, dead or not want the competion (in case of masters) and this list could go on and on. Do it while it is fresh in everyones mind cause you won't make it to Electricity 101 without documentation of time in trade.
 
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Fast__Eddie

Member
Location
So. FLA
I agree 100%, had similar experience now i always ask for a letter of proof of employment. The employers are obligated to provide this to you!
 
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Ken9876

Senior Member
Location
Jersey Shore
And pray you haven't worked off the books, I work with a guy now who will be delayed a year for doing this. I really wish the instructors would start educating students in their classes about this, and how bad it can turn out.
 
nolabama

nolabama

Senior Member
Location
new orleans la
DO NOT WORK UNDER THE TABLE its not a good thing - you will regret it - i have only done it one time in my life for a little more than a year, and it bit me square on my ass monday
 
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bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
My suggestion would be to get on a first name basis with your local inspectors / building official. If and when you plan on leaving an employer or find yourself laid-off, they may be willing to give you either a letter of recommendation and/or verification of experience.

This will usually hold a lot of weight with your typical licensing boards.
 
brian john

brian john

Senior Member
Location
Leesburg, VA
celtic said:
Leave "BOB" [whatever that means] out of it...the W-2's will suffice as proof.
Click to expand...

Some jurisdictions say no to this. Licensing personnel told one of my guys he could have been a truck driver, how a letter changes that I do not know.

Bryan:

I work in 20 different jurisdictions, some jurisdictions do not care for the other jurisdictions and may Poo Poo that idea.

If I was fired (and I have been) I would have no problem asking for a letter of time at the company, companies know this is imporant to your future.
 
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bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
brian john said:
Bryan:

I work in 20 different jurisdictions, some jurisdictions do not care for the other jurisdictions and may Poo Poo that idea.
Click to expand...

I understand. I know my building official has filled out a few experience verification forms for persons applying for state licenses. In this case, a signed affidiavit by a licensed BCA carries alot of weight.

Experience verification doesn't have to indicate how good of a worker someone is, it just needs to prove that person did that work for that period of time.
 
celtic

celtic

Senior Member
Location
NJ
brian john said:
Some jurisdictions say no to this. Licensing personnel told one of my guys he could have been a truck driver, how a letter changes that I do not know.
Click to expand...

I only have knowledge of NJ....so...
The Board will accept W2's "in lieu of" - but there is also a test to gain EC credentials ~ this will separate the drivers from the installers.:roll:


brian john said:
If I was fired (and I have been) I would have no problem asking for a letter of time at the company, companies know this is imporant to your future.
Click to expand...

I had a falling out with an EC I worked for.
When time came that I needed that letter for the Board, he refused by ignoring my request.
The Board accepted my W2s as proof.

I do not think it is right that there is only one path to take ~ if that path is blocked by one or more persons [former employer], what is the applicant to do?
Beg that SOB for the letter?
Not me.
 
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