Recognising quality craftsmanship

The title of "craftsman"

The title of craftsman is given by right, by the Chairperson of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts, to individuals and executives of corporations who have a CAP or BEP (types of vocational qualification), a qualification recognised by the profession concerned, or, if such qualification is not held, 6 years after registration. The title of craftsman is also awarded, under the same conditions with respect to qualifications as described previously, and in the same manner, to collaborative or partner spouses or other partners who personally participate in the company’s activities on a regular basis.

The title of "Master Craftsman"

The title “Master Craftsman” is awarded by the Chairperson of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts to individuals, including executives of corporations registered with the Trades Directory, who hold the diploma in Mastery of the profession in question or a related profession, after 2 years’ professional practice. This means practice of the profession, including as an employee, but excluding as an apprentice. The time-period must not be confused with the length of time the person has been registered with the Trades Directory. Proof must be provided in the form of pay-slips or work certificates. The title “Master Craftsman” can be awarded by the regional diploma committee to individuals, including executives of corporations registered with the Trades Directory, who hold a qualification equal or superior to a Master’s diploma in the profession in question or a related profession, if, after two years’ professional practice, they can demonstrate having acquired skills in management and educational psychology equivalent to those in the corresponding modules of the Master’s diploma. The title “Master Craftsman” can also be awarded by the regional diploma committee to individuals who have been registered with the Trades Directory for a minimum of 10 years and have no official qualification but can demonstrate recognised expertise in the promotion of craftsmanship or in training craftsmen.

QUALIBAT

QUALIBAT is an independent organisation which assesses, in a rigorous and objective manner, the technical expertise and legitimacy of companies operating in the various branches of the building profession. Selection is very strict : only one in two applications is successful.

QUALISOL

“Qualisol” designates quality in solar heating installations, namely individual solar water heating systems (CESI). It includes “club combi” systems, which produce hot water for both domestic and central heating purposes (SSC). Since early 2006, this seal of approval has been under the management of Qualit’EnR : today the label has over 11,500 members. Qualisol members voluntarily subscribe to the Qualisol quality charter, with its “10 solar standards”. The basic premise of the seal of approval involves auditing members’ work to ensure adherence to Qualisol’s high standards. Choosing a Qualisol company means knowing you have chosen a competent professional to carry out your solar heating installation.

Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Companies)

The "Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant" (Living Heritage Companies) label was created by article 23 of the French law in favour of small businesses, dated August 2nd, 2005, with the purpose of encouraging the progress of companies having "an economic heritage, namely an uncommon, renowned or time-honoured expertise based on the mastery of traditional or highly technical skills, found only in one particular area".

Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (One of the best workers in France)

“Un des meilleurs ouvriers de France” (“One of the best workers in France”) - often seen as just M.O.F. – is a French award given to the winner, in each trade category, of a competition organised by professional tradesmen. This prize, first awarded in 1924, gives the title of “Best…” to people aged 23 or more who work in fields ranging from baker to carpenter, engraver to electrician, and many more besides. In this very specific contest, the candidates are given an allotted amount of time and ingredients to produce a masterpiece.

A jury assesses not only the resulting piece of work but also the competitor’s organisation, method, expertise and respect for the rules of the trade. The winner retains the title of “Best…of “(+year of the award) for life.

This coveted award is respected by professionals and public alike, with the winners of the prizes for commercial trades such as pastry-cook, hairdresser and butcher etc. receiving particular recognition.

It takes months, even years, to prepare for this competition. Technical expertise, originality and respect for tradition must all be nurtured for a long time if the candidate is to achieve the levels of excellence, efficiency and speed required to achieve success in the eyes of the jury, who award marks for the various aspects of the contest throughout the event. (source wikipédia)