I think it is because they are short of funds mate, limited people applying for licenses, people just not bothering.......so what do they do in their ultimate wisdom...................................hammer those that do the right thing, just plain wrong mate.

They wiped everyones competence and experience.....unless you do a training course, with the chair and deputy chair of the Board being part of NZ's biggest training provider.....funny that.

Raymond Huo, is the man to talk to mate, he seems like a stand up guy [Raymond.Huo@parliament.govt.nz]

In fact any and every one should let him know....he can't do anything unless he knows....Maurice won't do anything he's too busy skipping rainbows.

You got to give him the bullet to fire, its an election year....won't get this chance for another 3 years guys.

Hi Bugman congratulations on passing your licenced plumber exam!
 Why wont your apprenticehip be recognised ?
Im sure it will work out ok for you.

Hi Bugman

Read this weeks and last weeks news letter from the Federation about waiver of fees.  I would suggest you apply for the exemption and a waiver of the fees. If they come back saying you have to pay the fees then go somewhere else to get satisfaction such as the Ombudsman.

Regards


Wal

hi guys, have the Board no conscience they will not attract new apprentices with moves like that.
...
1.1 The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (Fees) (Notice 2010 makes provision for the Board to provide a waiver or refund, in part or whole, of any fee or levy), in accordance with sections 142(3) and 143(2) of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 (the Act).
.... yes and who benefits from that? Board members and their mates I suppose so everyone else subsidizes them, cheers

hi guys/Bugman, this has been my focus all along with ever increasing compliance costs, the average Joe with young family and big mortgage cannot keep shelling out on the wages that they receive in our trades, talk about `killing the golden goose 'they probably thing that we should all just put it on the credit card but you will never get ahead, i hope you can work it out and good luck with whatever you decide, cheers   

Hi everyone and Bugman.

Whoever told you you had to pay money first before they would accept your application should be fired. The Act and the Boards Policy is explicit.  It is an waiver and refund policy.  If I was you I would submit the application for a waiver of fees and the section 52 exemption.

If the Board can give two people their certifying gasfitters status with them having never done an apprenticeship or exams to licensing level then they should be able to give you your qualification taking into account you have done an apprenticeship. have experience and have passed the exam.

Cases like this piss me off. Drop me an email at wal.gordon@xtra.co.nz or phone on 027 656 4811 and I will help you out as best as I can. I am no lawyer but I am sure we could put up a good case and if they won't accept your application I will help you lay the complaint with the Ombudsman's office.

Wal