Estonian Qualifications Authority (SA Kutsekoda) gave Association of Estonian Boatyards (AEB) the rights to give professional qualifications for small craft builders. One of the main goals of AEB is to develop Estonian small craft building sector and retain and develop shipbuilding traditions and maritime culture, so the given rights by the qualifications authority comes as a sign of progression for AEB.
„Demands for labour qualifications in the small craft bulding sector have thrived all over the world and we must pace ourselves to be on top of the game,“ Merle Muru, board member of both AEB and Alunaut LLC told. Mainly for this reason Estonian small craft builders qualification standards in 2010 were updated in co-operation with AEB.
Merle Muru: „The rights to give professional qualifications for small craft builders ensures that AEB is able to realize its statutes – retain and develop shipbuilding traditions and advocate vocation of small craft building.“
First order of business now is to dispose qualification exams in collaboration with learning institutions, where practical skills beside theoretical knowledge will be tested. The first small craft builder qualification exams will be held in February 2012. Exams will be compiled by Small Craft Competence Centre of the Kuressaare College of Tallinn University of Technology.