10/31/2005

Subject: TDLR Issuing Temporary Electrical Apprentice Licenses

TDLR Issuing Temporary Electrical Apprentice Licenses
New License Will Allow Apprentice Applicants to Begin Work the Same
Day

Beginning today, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
(TDLR) is offering a new service that will allow individuals who want an
electrical apprentice or sign apprentice license to apply online and
receive a certificate that allows them to begin working immediately. The
temporary license will be valid for 21 days while their application for
regular apprentice license is processed.

Before now, anyone who applied for an electrical apprentice license was
required to print out an application from TDLR's website and mail or
deliver that application to TDLR. This would result in a lag of several
days before the applicant could begin work while the application was
being processed. But individuals who complete the online application
process will be able to print out a certificate at the end of the
application process that will authorize them to begin work immediately.

"We are aware that waiting for several days after you are hired, or
waiting for several days after you hire someone before you can allow
them to start work, was putting a burden on individuals who need jobs,
as well as electrical contractors who need extra help immediately,"
said William Kuntz, TDLR's executive director. "With this temporary
license, that new hand can start work within just a few minutes, and
it's good for three weeks while the regular apprentice license is
being processed."

Applicants for the new license can apply online through TDLR's
website, www.license.state.tx.us. Go to the "Electricians" page and
under "Online Services" select the "Apply for Apprentice License
Online" link. Since the application is completed online, applicants
will be required to supply a valid credit card number.

TDLR will continue to accept electrical apprentice licenses on paper
applications.

For more information, contact TDLR's Customer Service Division at
(800) 803-9202 or (512) 463-6599, or by email to
customer.service@license.state.tx.us.

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