PPF-VET Unveils Occupational and Qualification Standards for Moldova’s Monument and Building Restoration Sector

The Erasmus+ Project “Preparing the Past for the Future: A VET Capacity Building Initiative for Monument and Building Restoration in Moldova” (PPF-VET) proudly announces a major milestone in its mission to modernize and elevate vocational education and training (VET) in the field of heritage restoration.

As part of Work Package 3: Development of Occupational and Qualification Standards, the project has successfully designed and officially approved two Occupational Standards and two Qualification Standards, setting a transformative precedent for the restoration sector in Moldova. These standards, now recognized by national authorities, provide a structured, high-quality framework to shape the next generation of specialists in the field.

The newly established Occupational Standards define clear professional pathways for:

• Restorer of Decorative Plasters and Modenature (ISCED 3) – “Restaurator/restauratoare tencuieli decorative și modenaură”
• Building Restoration Technician (ISCED 4) – “Tehnician restaurator/tehniciană restauratoare de clădiri”

The standards were meticulously developed through collaboration between the Centre for Innovation and Policies in Moldova (CIPM), the Skills Sectorial Committee in Constructions, and key national stakeholders. Their approval by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection marks a groundbreaking advancement for professional recognition in the restoration sector.

This achievement is reinforced by the official publication of the standards in the Official Gazette “Monitorul Oficial”, ensuring their legal and institutional integration into Moldova’s VET framework.

Prior to development of Occupational standards, the qualifications of Restorer for level 3 and 4 of education were included in the Nomenclators of qualifications provided by education system. To mention that the Nomenclature of qualifications is approved via Government Decision. This information can be found on the state websites. This was possible due to efforts of working group that convinced the decision makers about the need to develop the professional skills for restoration and to preserve the architectural construction in Moldova.

New Qualification Standards: Raising the Bar for Restoration Training

Building on the foundation of the occupational standards, the project has also successfully completed the Qualification Standards for these professions, which define the competencies and learning outcomes required for certification. The qualification standards have been developed with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education and Research, ensuring alignment with both national and European educational frameworks.

These standards will be formally published on the official website of the Ministry of Education in March 2025, marking a new era of structured and high-quality training for restoration professionals in Moldova.

A Transformative Impact on the Restoration Sector

The introduction of these standards represents a shift in Moldova’s VET landscape. For the first time, restoration professionals will have clearly defined career pathways, standardized training, and nationally recognized qualifications. This will lead to:

• ✅ Increased professionalization of the restoration workforce
• ✅ Stronger preservation and sustainability efforts in heritage restoration
• ✅ Alignment with European best practices, ensuring Moldova’s integration into international restoration initiatives

This milestone is not only a victory for the project but for the entire vocational education system in Moldova. It lays the groundwork for further policy reforms, enhanced training programs, and greater investment in heritage preservation.

The PPF-VET project team extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and contributors who have played a vital role in achieving this success. As Moldova steps into a new era of restoration education and training, this initiative ensures that its rich architectural and cultural heritage is safeguarded for generations to come.

For more information, visit: https://ppf-vet.com