8 islanders submit to exam for artisan accreditation

foto 2021 mestres artesans CThe Formentera Office of Commerce is pleased to report that exams will take place this week for aspirants to the island's accreditation for artisans and craft tradespeople. Seven candidates exercise trades in jewellery, costume jewellery, passementerie, carpentry and object decoration, and the eighth will vie for the title of Master Artisan in jewellery. The previous round of exams occurred in 2017.

President and Commerce Councillor Ana Juan wished examinees good luck and insisted, "The fact that eight artisans are undergoing examination is testament to their interest in professional training and growth, not to mention to the good health of our artisanry on the island". Juan pointed out that "craft markets are part of our identity, an asset to tourism and a modest local industry that we must look after".

Examination and competences

A technical committee made up of master craftspeople and municipal staff specialists visits applicants' workshops, where examinees are asked to make the items for which they seek accreditation, while members of the examining board observe examinees' working methods and ask practical questions regarding technique and production process.

Visits last approximately 20-25 minutes and, depending on the nature of the request, whether for the title of artisan or master artisan, candidates must display basic notions of the trade and trade-specific tools, equipment and machinery, as well as of the origin of materials used, processes of preparation, handling, production and finishing, safety and hygiene requirements of the trade and more.

A minimum one-year work experience in the field is required to take the artisan accreditation exam, and ten years' experience is required to obtain master-level credentials. An examinee's trade must be included in the Consell's Craft Trade Repertory. Today on Formentera there are about sixty accredited artisans, ten master artisans and four honorary master artisans.

27 October 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera