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In This Month's Issue:
Industry Meetings Upcoming Events
Recall Information Class Schedule
Informative Articles Member Toolbox
Instructions for renewing your license online.
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MECA attended the following meetings last month that involves changes that will affect industry laws in regards to education, Interpretation of the word “systems” and license renewals. Please keep in mind that the sub-committee meetings are ongoing meetings and that no definite decisions have been made or approved at this point. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians will make the final decision once all facts and suggestions are brought to their attention.
CMR Sub-committee meeting held on March 5, 2018 Chair, James Colleary, Wire Inspector Member
This meeting was held to discuss the current education expiration of sunset hours for Electricians in an
effort to increase the current education expiration of 9 years. After much discussion from the
committee members and the public the motion was made to consider extending the education
expiration to 15 years from the start of initial schooling, which would include taking a 15 hour code
class on the current code before taking the exam. The initial discussion mentioned increasing the sunset
hours to 20 years as well as eliminating any education expiration. There is a lot to be taken into
consideration before a final decision. MECA will be attending these meetings as they occur and will
update our members with new developments.
Interpretations Sub-committee Meeting held on March 20 th – Chair, Ellen Dorian, Public Member
The meeting ended up being a review of definitions and certain scenarios of electrical work involving
both low voltage and medium voltage systems. Below is a brief summary of the details that were
discussed.
- Discussed where the thermostat falls in relation to the heating system and whether it is part of the system or not.
- Is it a power limited control device?
- In a new system installation of a thermostat belonging to the heating system, who can and
should install this?
- Overlapping systems such as an elevator recall, sprinkler or fire system, how do we navigate between contractors, multiple contractors, permit able work, Inspector work, qualified and enforceable work.
- Discussed that low and medium voltage can be co-existing.
- Systems contractors hold a license and are knowledgable of their own limits.
- Purpose of code to protect the safety of installers and all others.
- Although a device is part of a system it can be controlled by a blue tooth enabled device.
- Security systems and thermostats that are connected to medium voltage and ignitions. What’s the impact of certain systems regarding safety?
Definitions that were reviewed: Device, Appliance, apparatus, fixture and surveillance.
Agenda for the May meeting – Interpret “systems” for all systems. Possibly change the word systems.
Should it be added onto, for example, heating systems, telecommunication systems, etc.
Next scheduled Interpretations meeting is May 15th at 9:30am at the DPL 1000 Washington St. Boston, MA
Board of State Examiners of Electricians Board Meeting held March 26, 2018 in Stowe, MA
As mentioned in more detail in this newsletter, the board will no longer accept paper license renewals.
Electricians MUST renew on-line. See more details and instructions on how to renew on-line in the article below.
- NH has increased the ratio 2:1 of master to apprentice with a maximum of 6 masters and 12 apprentices on any job. The Board mentioned looking into this ratio as a way to increase
electricians coming into the trade.
- Peter Senopoulos, Fire Marshal Designee, Chair mentioned forming a new committee that will look at our surrounding states and evaluate how they handle their licensing, testing reciprocity, etc. This would in an attempt to create a more level playing field between the surrounding states and open doors to offer reciprocity of licensure with other states. He would also have the committee explore the testing bulletins of the surrounding states for comparison with MA.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2018
These meetings are open to the public for anyone that would like to attend. If you are unable to attend yet have a question or comment that you would like addressed, please contact the MECA office and we would be happy to speak on your behalf at the meeting.
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Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms Due to Risk of Failure to Alert Consumers to a Fire
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Name of product:
Kidde dual-sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms – models PI2010 and PI9010
Hazard:
A yellow cap left on during the manufacturing process can cover one of the two smoke sensors and compromise the smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke, posing a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire in their home.
Recall date:
March 21, 2018
Units:
About 452,000 in the U.S. (In addition, about 40,000 were sold in Canada.)
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Location of model number and date code on back of smoke alarm
Consumer Contact:
Kidde toll-free at 833-551-7739 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or online at www.kidde.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.
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How to Recruit for the
Next Generation
By Mark Klein
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Many companies are having difficulties recruiting and hiring skilled tradespeople in today’s market. Much of this is due to the “skills gap,” the gap between candidates’ skills/training and the requirements for certain jobs. Unfortunately, it’s a serious problem that shows few signs of improving. According to SkillsUSA, a national organization that provides career and technical education to more than 360,000 high school and college students, there are 5.6 million unfilled skilled jobs today. Of those jobs, 75 percent don’t require a four-year degree. That’s more than 4 million open U.S. jobs that do not require a traditional college education!
Even with SkillsUSA and other programs addressing the skills gap, America needs to work on changing the perception of the skilled trades. As a country, we’re discouraging younger generations from considering careers in the trades. Parents, teachers, and guidance counselors are urging students to take the traditional, four year degree path and failing to provide information on careers in the trades.
This decades-old guidance has left many industries unable to find qualified individuals, and the problem continues to grow. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reports that nearly 3.5 million new manufacturing jobs likely will be created over the next decade, 2 million of which are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap. At the same time, demand for housing construction and other industries also will continue to increase. If we cannot fill these positions with skilled workers now, businesses and homeowners will see more delayed projects and higher home prices.
To avoid serious consequences, businesses affected by the skills gap must step up and help recruit the next generation into the skilled trades. Attention-grabbing job descriptions, campaigns, internships, and apprentice programs will help us to encourage younger generations to experience the job flexibility, potentially high wages, and the opportunity for creativity and pride of ownership that comes with a career in the trades.
SHAPE EXPOSURE WITH CAMPAIGNS
Businesses that provide skilled jobs need to adjust their strategies to connect better with Millennials and Generation Z, while emphasizing how successful a job in the trades can be. With social media still driving much of the news and other information that younger generations see, it’s a natural platform to run campaigns that introduce young minds to the trades. The breadth of what companies can share on social media, from industry articles to real-life stories of employees’ experiences and job postings, can inspire the next wave of skilled workers in any market. Not only does the information reach a large audience, but it also targets the right audience – your potential recruits.
In 2017, Klein Tools developed a successful video campaign that recognized tradespeople throughout the country who transform America’s most iconic places and events into something exciting and magical. The “Tools that Power America’s Passion” video series went behind the scenes to show the world the hard work that electricians do to create unforgettable experiences for the masses, like rocking out to a favorite live band, cheering on a high school football team under the Friday night lights, or watching the parade of lights on Bourbon Street. By highlighting the critical ways that electricians and other tradespeople contribute to unique events around the country, we were able to create a new appreciation for the careers, skills, and tools that power America’s passions.
Klein Tools isn’t stopping there, however. This year, we are helping to promote the skilled trades from a different angle by featuring our own machinists and other skilled tradespeople in our U.S. facilities on social media. We’ll learn about why our team members chose a career in the trades and what they love most about their jobs. This will showcase real tradespeople who are succeeding in the American manufacturing industry and enjoying their careers. Sharing this information on social media will allow Millennials and Generation Z to discover relatable stories about the benefits of a career in the trades.
SUPPORT ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS
Studies show that technical and vocational programs in schools increase student engagement and keep students interested in school. Unfortunately, many schools have eliminated vocational education programs, so it’s up to businesses to partner with local high schools, trade schools, or workforces to allow students to explore careers in the trades. Internships, apprentice programs, summer jobs, and co-op study opportunities provide students and the next generation with real world, on-the-job experiences so they can experience the trades firsthand.
Through these education programs, businesses are able to recruit talent and find future tradespeople who have a passion for the industry, but may lack the honed skills required for the trade. By providing on-the-job training for recruits, businesses can offer all the necessary skills the student will need for a successful career. The necessary skills still require the necessary tools, however. That’s why Klein Tools is a Platinum Partner with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) to provide tool endowments and ensure students and apprentices receive the tools they need when learning their trade. In the big-box channel, Klein Tools also has an exclusive relationship with The Home Depot, IEC’s official retailer of electrical tools and supplies.
Recruiting through educational experiences happens often at Klein Tools and allows us to find associates who are not only passionate about their work, but also appreciate the company’s values on a fundamental level. All businesses can offer these experiences to this tenacious group of students and recruit young talent that are a perfect fit for the industry and the company.
Dylan Deen, of Mansfield, TX, now a L3 machinist at Klein Tools, is a perfect example of how valuable internships are to recruiting a new generation. Dylan interned at Klein Tools through a partnership with his high school and the local workforce center, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, TX. Through the Career Technical program at Dylan’s high school, Mansfield High School, which allows students to complete core coursework at the beginning of the day and intern at various companies in the afternoon, Dylan was able to learn a skilled
trade and find his passion for machining.
“I learned the most during my internship with Klein Tools,” said Dylan. “Everyone was so friendly and helpful.”
Because of his internship experience, Dylan applied for a job at Klein Tools after he graduated, and he has now been with our company for over two and a half years. His goal is to continue to move up within Klein Tools and learn how to run more machines while learning more about the industry.
CHANGE THE PERCEPTION AND RECRUIT YOUNG TALENT
Understanding how to change the perception of the trades is just one battle businesses need to fight. As we continue to change decades-old traditions, we also need to reach out to the next generations and show how fulfilling and lucrative a career in the trades can be. Social media campaigns, education, and on-the-job training all can help businesses employ the most passionate tradespeople, who have a love for the industry and the company that provided them with the skills and training they needed to be successful.
Mark Klein is co-president of Klein Tools and oversees the company’s worldwide sales, marketing, customer service and new product development. He also leads strategic sales in the U.S. and Canada, as well as leading Klein Tools’ UK and European businesses.
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Renewing your license online
Step by step instructions
Also, see below for instructions on how to change your address with E-Portal
Kennedy Seminars | March 2018
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When you receive your renewal paperwork in the near future, you will now have to renew on-line. Paper renewals will no longer be accepted. For those of you that don't have a personal computer you may need to use a friends computer, go to your local library or contact the MECA office for assistance.
If the State does not have record of your 15 hours of continuing education you will not receive a coupon and therefore will not be able to renew.
The 15hr record should have been sent to the State electronically by your authorized provider after you successfully completed your Continuing Education.
The 6 hrs record must be maintained by you in case of an audit.
Step 1- Receive Authorization Codes
Authorization Codes for each of your licenses will be distributed via the renewal coupons. If you have both a master and journeyman’s number you will receive a separate authorization code for each license.
An Electrical License Holder Record Number is the License Number-EL-License Type
(A, B, E, JR, MR), e.g. 12345B will be 12345-EL-B
A Systems License Holder Record Number is the License Number-FA-License Type (C, D), e.g. 1234D will be 1234-FA-D
Step 2 - Visit the Board of State Examiners of Electricians website at
http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/el/ and click on the E Licensing and Permitting Portal in the right column of the page.
Step 3 - click on Register for an Account. Check the “I have read the terms and conditions box”, click the “Continue Registration” button at bottom.
Step 4 - Create a username, fill in your email address, create a password (click on requirements for password minimum requirements), retype password, select security question and answer, click “Add New” button.
Step 5 - Fill in your contact information and click the “Save and Close” button
Step 6 - Enter the verification letters/numbers combination from the picture in the box below it and click the “Continue registration” button.
Once registered make sure that you make note of your username and password for future access to sign into your account, renew and manage your license(s).
Linking Your License to Your Account
- Go to Manage Licenses & Permits Tab
- Click File an Online Application
- Read Terms and Conditions, Check Box, click Continue
- Select Link Your Account, click Link your online account to an existing record radio button, click continue
- Select DPL under Agency
- Enter Record Identification Code (License # -EL-A or E)
- Enter Authorization Code (Provided from the State)
- Click Continue
- Keep your Record Number for Future Reference
- You may use the below steps to verify your license(s) are linked to your account
- Click Manage Licenses & Permits Tab
- Under Licenses, Permits & Other Records you should see your license identifying number(s), record type, expiration date, status, and Action
- Click on your Identifying number and verify that your information is correct
TIPS FOR AFTER RENEWING YOUR LICENSE
• Your authorization code is on the first page in the first full paragraph which starts---You can now RENEW ONLINE!
• It took a long time to move from screen to screen. Be patience while the screen is spinning. It will get there
• I needed to do 2 separate transactions (1 for each license). • If you are an inspector, that box is not for you to check off
• There is a slight fee for paying on-line.
• You will automatically receive a payment receipt to your email
• The E-Portal will tell you license waiting to be printed- but that does not mean you print it. They will mail it.
• The MA check-a-license will update quickly to 2019 but you will wait a bit for the license in the mail.
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How to Complete a Change
of Address on E-Portal
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You must have your authorization code(s) and have an E-Portal Account to change you address.
1.) Contact Electrical Board for Authorization Code or they are in the middle of 1st page of renewal(s)
a.) Call 617-727-9931
b.) Tell them your name and give them your license #’s. They should give you 2 sets of #’s for each license
While you wait for your authorization code(s)….
1.) Create an account https://elicensing.state.ma.us/CitizenAccess/
“Register for an Account” is on the top right
- Click on “register for an account”
- Record your email & password in a safe spot
After you receive your Record ID & Authorization Codes from the Board
• Log In to your new account o http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/el/ (right hand side of page- EPortal Icon)
• Click on E-Portal Icon
• Click on “Manage License & Permits” Tab (middle of page in tan)
• Click on “File an Online Application” option on the Manage License & Permits Tab
• Read what is in Box
• Click “I have read…” below box
• Click “Continue” at bottom of page
• On the list at the bottom of the page click on Board of Electricians(fourth option)
• Click on the Circle to “License Amendment”
• Scroll to bottom of page to click continue
• Scroll down to Amendment Information- What is your request? Select Address Change from drop down menu
• Your license number(s) should appear. Click on the left box that says “no” and click to say “yes”
*I was told you only have to do it to 1 license and it will update the other if you have 2 licenses
• Click “edit selected” box below
• Click the “Select box”
• Click “submit”
*Now there should be a YES by your license number
• Scroll down to the next block that says “Contact Information”
• Click “add new”
• Box appears that says Select Contac Type
*You can only add an individual address and not a business I am told
• Click “continue”
• YOU MUST CONTINUE CLICKING THROUGH THE OTHER STEPS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A MESSAGE TELLING YOU THAT YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE CHANGE.
IF YOU CLOSE OUT BEFORE HAND----YOUR CHANGES HAVE NOT BEEN RECORDED
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