Chairwoman Scheichelbauer-Schuster: “This makes masterful achievements and the highest qualifications visible.”
Vienna (OTS) – Great success for trades and crafts: In the future, tradespeople who have successfully passed a qualification test in 14 craft-like trades will also be able to use the title of master craftsman and have it entered in documents. This is made possible by an amendment to commercial law that was passed in the National Council on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Renate Scheichelbauer-Schuster, the chairwoman of the trade and craft division in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), is particularly close to her heart: “We are very pleased about this upgrade: masterful achievements should be visible and receive the recognition they deserve! We need even more masters in Austria to strengthen the economic location in the regions.”
The master’s title, which all master craftsmen have been allowed to hold since 2020, is now also possible for trades that were previously perceived by the public as craftsmen, but in which, for historical reasons, no master’s degree, but rather qualification exams were taken. Specifically, these are:
- Electrical engineering
- Gas and plumbing technology
- Contact lens optics
- Cosmetics (beauty care), piercing and tattooing
- Foot care
- Massage
- funeral
- Vulcanizer
- Weapons trade (gunsmith)
- Blasting company
These ten craft-like trades will in future be entitled to use the designation “master” or “master” in front of their name in abbreviated form (as “Mst.”, “Mst.in” or superscript “Mst.in”) or in full wording . In addition, registration may be required in official documents in the same way as an academic degree. The relevant qualification tests are assigned to level 6 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The master’s title is officially equivalent to the academic bachelor’s degree.
In addition, in the future there will be a registrable master’s title – with a supplementary specification – for four of the highest professional qualifications in trade and craft, which previously had the word “master” in their designation. These are:
- Master builder – Mst./ Mst.in (BM)
- Well master: in – Mst. / Mst.in (BrM)
- Steinmetzmeister:in – Mst. / Mst.in (StM)
- Wood construction master: in – Mst. / Mst.in (HBM)
“The equivalence of the master’s degree with university degrees, the better visibility of the registrable master’s title and the new qualifications that become possible with higher vocational education offer young people great career prospects. “Many parents still don’t know enough about the attractive career options that are possible by starting with an apprenticeship,” concludes Scheichelbauer-Schuster. (PWK273/HSP)
QUOTES
“It is an important step for our industry that the title of qualification is now being awarded. This makes a significant contribution to promoting qualifications and specialist expertise, strengthens competitiveness and ensures the quality of our work.”
President Komm.Rat Wolfgang Ecker, Federal Guild Master of the professional group of stonemasons
“The introduction of a title for master woodworkers after successfully passing the qualification test is welcomed by the industry. This is an important step towards recognition of their qualifications; the timber construction masters are the recognized specialists for planning, statics and execution in timber construction.”
Technical representative chairman Ing. Robert Böhm, federal guild master deputy. the Federal Timber Construction Guild
“The fact that the master title can now be used in the foot care, cosmetics, massage, piercing and tattooing sectors after the qualification test is a long-deserved upgrade of the professions and a visualization of the highest quality of our services.”
Federal Guild Master Mag. Dagmar Zeibig, Federal Guild of Podiatrists, Beauticians and Massage Therapists
“Our job is our calling! The master title is a well-deserved recognition for the high quality and professionalism in training within the funeral industry. It underlines the importance of in-depth specialist knowledge and human care in a profession that goes far beyond manual work. Master training is the basis for the sensitive, dignified and professional practice of our trade.
Federal Guild Master Deputy Mag.(FH) Katharina Strack-Dewanger,
Federal Guild of Chimney Sweeps and Undertakers
“The efforts of the Federal Trade and Crafts Division to make it possible for qualified people to obtain a registrable master’s degree are very welcome. As a gunsmith who has passed a qualification test, I know how important state recognition is for our craft.”
Valentin Krassnik, ARGE Civil Security in the WKO – gunsmith
“It is now also possible for gas and sanitary technicians to be visible to the public with a title that is understandable and accepted by the population and to point out the qualifications that are particularly important for this safety-relevant industry.”
Federal Guild Master Mst. Ing. Manfred Denk, MBA – plumbing, heating and ventilation technician
“Professional qualifications are crucial for the professional execution of the electrical trade. Graduates of the qualification test should be able to make the quality clearly visible to their companies. We need the master’s degree for qualified electricians!”
Federal Guild Master Christian Bräuer, electrical, building, alarm and communications technician
“The tire is the essential connection between the vehicle and the asphalt and its professional maintenance and care by the vulcanizer is essential for safety on Austria’s roads. This is made clear by the championship title for vulcanizers.”
Federal Guild Master MMst. Roman-Keglovits-Ackerer, BA – Automotive Engineering
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