Does anyone else see it as problematic that whenever a bill comes up that proposes licensing in the pool industry that the very organizations that make money from the licensing process are always the most vocal promoters?
We hear rhetoric like, “Without licensing standards, there are no requirement for pool techs to attend classes and learn about new laws and regulations.” While it is true that without a requirement there is no requirement, it does not follow that without standards pool tech won’t keep current in their field.
I just spent three days taking classes at the Western Pool and Spa show and before that spent two days in a training seminar with Pentair. No one required me to do this. But I did it because I am always looking for ways to step up my game and I always learn something at the seminars.
Licensing to me seems like the failed “no child left behind” education policy. It is focused on the minimum requirement rather than excellence. It treats pool techs like defiant children who don’t want to do anything, rather than responsible adults who want to better themselves.
Especially problematic is that these bills all tacitly assume that education itself is irrelevant until some authority like the trade organizations that promote these bills collect a fee from you and certify you. This to me is an insult to education. It turns it into a commodity.
A further assumption seems to be that unlicensed techs are more dangerous than licensed techs. While this statement may be true, it is a quantifiable statement and should be quantified before being thrown around as fact and as the reason to enact yet another law that impacts our industry.
Comments
Rex, I do agree there are some contributors who put in much time for the good of the industry this is no way tries to knock down what they have done but regulation should be tempered and solutions effective without such a high price.
Our state has instituted several licensing requirements SP1 for owners and SP2 (ltd plumbing) for employees. As well we need a Home Contractors Lic, and now they have pushed through a Builders Lic. I wouldn't mind if this was enforced to push out those unscrupulous out of garage businesses who undercut and do not operate legally, however, the cost to the business is enormous. First have to get Tech lic from organization before the employee can even take the state exam. Of course there is only one place to get that education and the continuing ed required after that. There should be some programs developed for education outside the organization where some competition in pricing can occur. One should not have to have 3-4 lic, pay memberships in order to get eduction just to do business either. I sometimes feel as though we are being extorted in order to conduct business. Not to mention a call to turn those in who aren't lic. Surely, a better way to go would not be turning on eachother but promoting strong businesses. We always operated in a way of taking the higher road, we don't speak badly of others and don't get in their business as most wouldn't want someone getting into theirs. The optimal solution should be to protect the consumer by finding and putting those who don't operate legally out of business.