1. (a) An individual who wishes to undertake a training program under the supervision of an installer holding a valid certificate under this chapter shall register with the executive director and provide proof that the supervising installer has agreed to accept the responsibility for the apprentice.

2. (b) A registration form and annual fee must be submitted by an installer for each individual desiring to register as an apprentice under his or her supervision. Registration shall be on forms which may be obtained from the executive director and shall include:

   1. (1) the name, business address, and permanent mailing address of the apprentice;
   2. (2) the name and business address of the installer who will supervise the apprentice;
   3. (3) a detailed description of the apprentice program as set by the supervising installer;
   4. (4) the effective commencement and termination dates of the apprentice training program (no apprentice program may be shorter in duration than one year);
   5. (5) a statement by the supervising installer that he or she accepts financial responsibility for the activities of the apprentice undertaken on behalf of the installer; and
   6. (6) the signatures of the apprentice and the supervising installer and a notarized statement from each that the information provided is true and correct.
3. (c) Commencement of the apprentice registration will take place upon receipt of the completed apprentice application and fee by the executive director. The executive director shall notify the apprentice and the supervising installer that the apprentice has been accepted as a registered apprentice and that the registration form shall remain in the agency's files for the stated duration of the apprentice period.
4. (d) The registration of an apprentice shall remain on file only for the stated duration of the period specified in the application. Upon completion of the apprentice training period, an apprentice may decide to apply to the executive director to obtain certification as an installer. Either the supervising installer or the apprentice may terminate the apprentice training program by written notice to the executive director. No reason for termination is required, and upon receipt of a letter stating that the apprentice training program has been terminated, the executive director shall terminate the apprentice's registration status.

5. (e) An apprentice shall:

   1. (1) represent his supervising installer during operations at the site; and
   2. (2) perform services associated with OSSF installation or repairs under direct supervision of an installer by directions on-site or by radio or other direct communication at all times.
6. (f) It is unlawful for an apprentice to act as or to offer to perform services as an installer on their own behalf. An apprentice may not perform any services associated with OSSF installation except under the supervision of an installer holding a valid certificate and/or according to the supervising installer's expressed directions. An apprentice's registration may be revoked if the apprentice is found to have engaged in prohibited activities.

Source Note:The provisions of this §285.60 adopted to be effective February 5, 1997, 22 TexReg 1114.