Evansville board approves multiple apprentice applications, tables several journeyman/master requests amid documentation and utility concerns

The Evansville City electrical licensing board approved a group of apprentice applications and one journeyman application at a regular meeting, while tabling other journeyman and master-license applications for additional documentation. The board also discussed a new licensing test put into use in April 2023 and wide-ranging contractor complaints about utility scheduling and communication with CenterPoint.

Board members approved apprentice applications for about a dozen applicants and approved one journeyman application from Fibercom. The board voted to table at least two journeyman applications from KC Electric and a master-license application from a candidate who provided ambiguous employer or job‑title information, citing missing documentation about whether the applicants had worked the required time under a licensed master electrician.

The licensing discussion centered on two verification issues the board said are decisive for approvals: (1) proof that journeyman applicants had completed four years of relevant work under a licensed master electrician, and (2) master‑license applicants listing a clear master license number or employer role. For several KC Electric candidates, board members said letters did not describe the work the applicant performed and did not state that the candidate worked under a master electrician; the board moved to table those files pending clearer documentation.

Board members discussed the district's testing regime for licensing. A board member said the “2023 test” has been in place since April 15, 2023, and the board debated whether to continue with the current computer‑based vendor or move to widely used vendors such as Pearson, PSI or the ICC format used in other states. Members described the preferred format as an 80‑question exam combining open‑book and closed‑book questions and noted that ICC exams are valid for three years for their intended purpose; the board discussed adding local code and permitting questions to better reflect Evansville City requirements.

Contractor representatives at the meeting raised prolonged operational concerns about CenterPoint service coordination, including difficulty reaching local dispatch, calls routed to remote call centers requesting business tax IDs, and scheduling failures that left contractors waiting for utility crews. Multiple attendees said those communication problems increase costs and safety risks when contractors must wait on utility crews to re‑energize services or complete checkouts. The board discussed whether better systems such as appointment text confirmations — a system mentioned as used by Duke Energy — could reduce delays.

The board also reiterated the apprentice-to-supervisor ratio guidance discussed during the meeting (1 to 3 was cited in discussion) and asked applicants and training providers to include clear employer and supervisor information with applications. Members told organizers they would accept emailed documentary proof for previously tabled applications once the missing details are supplied, so approvals might be processed between meetings rather than waiting a full month.

The board set its next regular meeting for June 5 and asked staff to notify applicants when additional documentation would allow earlier action.

Votes at a glance - Approve apprentice application: Decalderick — approved (motion/second recorded; vote: unanimous voice "Aye"). - Approve apprentice application: Marcus Isaac — approved (voice "Aye"). - Approve master license: Joshua Jennings — approved (voice "Aye"). - Approve apprentice applications: Tyler Adams; Blaine Bowes; Caden Cowling; Josh Elpers; Peyton Engelbrecht; Aiden Hoffman; Wade Knipe; Dylan Mays; Tyler McKinney; Aiden Starmer; Casey Taylor — each approved (each recorded with motion/second; voice "Aye"). - Journeyman application: Tristan Bozarth (KC Electric) — tabled pending documentation showing four years working under a master electrician. - Journeyman application: Devon Case Boat (KC Electric) — tabled pending documentation showing four years working under a master electrician. - Journeyman application: Alex Kissel (Fibercom) — approved (motion/second; voice "Aye"). - Master application: Richard Thomas (Mister Sparky/Fort Wayne) — tabled pending verification of job title, employer, or master license number.

Why it matters: Approvals affect who can work onsite and supervise apprentices; the board’s documentation standards shape whether applicants can advance to journeyman or master status. The board’s discussion of test format and local code inclusion could change licensing exam content and enforcement of permitting and inspection requirements.

What happens next: Applicants asked to submit missing employer/supervisor documentation by email; the board indicated staff may process approvals between meetings if complete proofs arrive. The board scheduled its next meeting for June 5.