To ensure the safety of those who rely on regional rail lines as a means of transportation, only certified welders are allowed to fabricate and repair tracks, bridges, and switches. These certified welders rely on training from licensed instructors, but sometimes a welding instructor lacks the proper teaching credentials. This risks not only the livelihood of the welders but also the safety of the passengers.

If you're a welder or other trades professional and your license or certification is at risk, contact the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We can help you protect your career, whether you're dealing with a lapsed credential or one that may be invalid due to an unqualified instructor. Call us at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.

Welding Teacher Lacked License to Certify Welders

Thurman Hogan served as the chief instructor at SEPTA's welding school. One of his main job duties was to certify welders in accordance with the standards established by the American Welding Society. These welders helped manufacture and repair tracks and other equipment related to the safe operation of the regional rail.

To hold this teaching position, Mr. Hogan needed to be certified. He lost this certification when he failed to obtain recertification in 2005. He tried again in 2007 but was unable to recertify. Despite these failures, he continued to hold himself out as a certified instructor and certify his student welders.

Mr. Hogan certified 43 welders, most of whom have already been recertified. However, about a dozen welders still require recertification.

The Importance of Professional Credentials

It might seem like a waste of time and money to jump through what seems like bureaucratic hoops to work in a certain industry or job. But there's an important reason these requirements exist. Many of these trades and professions rely on skills that protect the well-being of the general public. So it's in everyone's best interest to confirm these professionals possess the know-how to do their jobs effectively.

While the majority of current and aspiring professionals, like welders, obtain the necessary training to safely do their jobs, a select few don't. So, it's up to the certification process to identify these individuals and prevent them from jeopardizing public safety until they get the necessary training.

But this isn't a perfect system, as sometimes those involved in the certification process might be missing one or more credentials themselves. Often, issues relate to teachers losing their credentials, such as when they fail to keep their licenses current. This recertification process might seem like a chore, but it's important to make sure the most current techniques are taught, as well as prevent individuals from faking their skills and experience.

Licensure Problems Require Legal Help

There are many potential causes for license or certification issues, but some of the most frustrating can be when you can't keep your license current, or your certification has been tainted due to the wrongdoing of another. In either scenario, the Professional License Team from the Lento Law Firm can help. Contact us online or by calling 888-535-3686.