After having read DPOR's Regulations and statutes, and all current comments on the proposed regulation changes I would like to suggest any Bachelors degree count as experience time.  I understand that a biology degree is preferred, and classes in the "sciences" will be taken into consideration but as the current regs. state a person with a college degree is no more qulified than a High school graduate right out of school if they went through the Apprenticeship program.

Most businesses recognize a College degree even if it is unrelated to the job in question as very valuable.  It shows commitment and reliability to finish a program of study and a confidence in the holder's commitment.  Throughout the proposed regulation Form TH-02 Competency is a driving desire for DPOR.  Allowing increased degree programs to satisfy the licensing requirements will bring that competency and also help get more operators into the business. I Propose for any Bachelors degree  Class III should need 1yr experience w/o substitutions and a class IV license, Class II 2yrs experience w/o substitutions and a class III license, and Class 1 3yrs experience w/o substitutions and a class II license. 

Thank you for your consideration,

Jonathan Newcomb Class IV operator BCVPI Water Authority

B.B.A. Radford Univ. 

M.Div. Southwestern