I don't feel we need the "required" journeyman license for "all" actively involved. I can see it as an entry tool into the trade for "only" those interested in becoming licensed and then only with certain requirements and qualifications for obtaining such as is with other trades of these license types. Plumbers,Electricians,HVAC, ect.

 What we do can have serious ramifications to the environment and shouldn't just be handed out to everyone who wants one. it will end up being like the intern license. tracking those who got it and never intended to stay in the trade to begin with it was an at the moment deal that did nothing but falsely inflate the true number of professionals actually engaged in the industry! the journeyman license will be the same way! only benefiting those with ill intentions and hurting those responsible to employing them.    

I feel we need to get what we currently have running more organized.  there are problems now with unlicensed individuals that nothing is be done about, the health departments know they aren't licensed but are still issuing permits and inspecting their work. VDH should be the ones reporting to DPOR  those operating without a license. NOT the Contractors that are abiding by the law!! the health departments should know more of who is and isn't licensed, why is the contractors obligation to be snitches?

VDH should be making sure permits are being reviewed and issued in a "timely" manner. making sure aoss inspections are being done, VDH employees gaining journeyman certification should not even be in question here, it is direct competition they should not be involved in twisting an auger or designing systems where in the Commonwealth those actively involved are required to hold the proper license and be insured to protect the citizen against fraudulent practices..  there will be plenty for VDH to do just enforcing what regulations we currently have in effect.and policing the unlicensed.

I oppose any regulation change at this time and feel we need to go back to the drawing board for fairness to all. including a 50% reduction in CPE requirements along with the addition of license number requirements on all permit applications and completion statements.