By Dan O'Donnell, Chief
Electrical Division
Reprinted from Code Works! Fall 2010 newsletter from the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes

In order to renew a 2011 license for master electrician, journeyman electrician, and fire alarm specialty technician, an approved 15-hour code update course on the 2008 Michigan Electrical Code must be completed. Sign specialists are required to complete an approved 8-hour code update course.

Each instructor approved to teach the code update course is required to submit the original roster of course attendees to the Electrical Division. Since the rosters contain the names and license numbers of the course attendees, it is important the names and license numbers are legible, so the information can be transferred correctly to each licensee’s computer profile for use in renewing their license. If a profile does not indicate that the licensee has completed an approved code update course, the Bureau will be unable to issue a new license until the code update course is completed.

If the licensee has not already completed a 2008 code update course, it is important they do so as soon as possible in order to prevent a delay in the issuance of their 2011 license.

For a complete list of approved 2008 code update courses, visit the bureau’s website, click Divisions, click Electrical Division, and the courses are listed under Examinations and Licensing.

For questions regarding the code update process, contact the Electrical Division at (517) 241-9320.

By Dan O'Donnell, Chief
Electrical Division
Reprinted from Code Works! Fall 2010 newsletter from the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes

Bureau of Construction Codes logoEffective September 1, 2010, the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Electrical Division, implemented the statutory requirements set forth in 1956 PA 217, the Electrical Administrative Act. MCL 338.883e (1) and (2) and MCL 338.883h (1) and (2) of PA 217 requires apprentice electricians and fire alarm specialty technician apprentices in the state of Michigan to be participating in a training program approved by the Electrical Administrative Board (EAB) and implemented by BCC, Electrical Division.

The EAB authorized the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL-OA) to be the approving agency for training programs throughout Michigan in conjunction with the statutory requirement as they have a long history of experience in the apprenticeship arena across many different disciplines. Electrical and fire alarm contractors and the apprentices they employ must register with the USDOL-OA and set up their individual apprentice training programs.

Read more: RTI Required For Electrical and Fire Alarm Specialty Technicians

Electrician in TrainingEffective September 1, 2010 all electrical apprentices in the State of Michigan are required to be participating in an electrical training program approved by the Electrical Administrative Board (EAB). 

On February 6th, 2009 the EAB approved the Bureau of Construction Codes Electrical Division recommendation to utilize the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL-OA) for the registration of all approved electrical training programs.

Initially the two main requirements are:

  1. Electrical contractors that currently employ or anticipate the employment of electrical apprentices must register their companies with the USDOL-OA.
  2. Once an employer has registered with the USDOL-OA they can set up their apprenticeship training program with the USDOL-OA and register the apprentices under their employment.
Read more: HOT ITEM: Notice to Electrical Contractors!

Mike Rowe of Mike Rowe Works and The Discovery Channel spoke to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in Washington, D.C. on May 5th, 2011. He discussed the need to promote skilled trades as a desired job, rather than exclusively hyping jobs that requires a 4 year degree or more.

Check out the 8-1/2 minute video from YouTube:

By Jennifer Gonzalez
Reprinted from the Chronicle of Higher Education

The apprenticeship system, long considered an educational relic by some educators and policy makers, is gaining new attention as a promising model for improving job skills and meeting national college-completion goals.

A number of states and community and technical colleges are working to strengthen and expand apprenticeship opportunities. They offer participants a paycheck while taking courses and being trained for an occupation. Traditional trades, such as construction and manufacturing, continue to draw the most students, but newer industries, such as travel, health care, and information technology, have also begun to take part in apprenticeship programs, broadening their appeal.

Read more: Apprenticeship Programs Expand With Help of Community Colleges

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