In 1982 I took a course on Propane for automotive use. The course was taught by a person that worked in the shop at a local cab company and was well experienced in the install and maintenance of propane systems. I think he was also involved in the original codes regarding auto propane. Remember propane for automotive use was in the early stages at that point. The course went on for some time (can't remember how long) and it was one or two nights a week. David Laird the fuels safety guy was involved in it too. At the end of the course we were given a test (for a fee) from the ministry. I would have to think the test was a joint effort with the then FUEL SAFETY and the ministry of labour or Technology and Trades or whatever they called themselves then. I ended up with a S6A licence. Keep in mind I don't have a 310 licence. The person teaching the course didn't have one either. About five years later I took a gas (natural gas) course. I ended up with a fitter II out of it. The two got put on one ticket and called a "MULTI FUELS CERTIFICATE". Over the years the S6A got changed to or renamed ICE-P and somewhere in there the TSSA was created.
Fast forward to this year. The TSSA sends me a letter telling me I have to produce proof of OCOT that authorizes me to carry out work as a tech. basicly a 310 licence. You would think after 34 years I would be "GRANDFATHERED "in..or something. After 34 years of doing a job a person should be qualified to carry out the job.
The apprenticeship could have been served roughly 8 times in that time period
This is after 34 years!!! What if I worked on the propane part of fork trucks in a maintenance department of a factory and had been in this job for 34 years? Is the TSSA prepared to put me out of work.
I have held this licence for 34 years.
It wasn't a problem when I enrolled in the course.
It wasn't a problem when I paid for and wrote the test and to licence to me.
It wasn't a problem when I paid for it at renewal time,, seventeen times.
I'm sure some will disagree but it doesn't smell good to me. If I shouldn't have the ticket then someone is responsible and it's not me!!!
I started out as an HD equipment mechanic almost 40 yrs ago no licence for that or farm equipment or as you say propane , only endorsements on Class A automotive , because of potential liabilities I quit working on Propane lift trucks here at the plant 10 yrs ago . I agree with you in this matter ; some of the individuals trained today are not what one would class as competent especially compared to someone successful in the field for a number of years . Bureaucracy go figure .
I guess I should add. They can take it,, I really don't care. It's the idea of it.
It would be the same if a tech. Say Chuck or lightspeed Mike or anyone only had grade 8 education. If there was no requirement to be a tech. when they started then 20 years later they make a new rule that grade 12 is required. Then 14 years later, 34 years altogether they send a letter like mine. Come up with a diploma or else.
