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Five studies assessed the impact on systems and jobs of the recognition of qualifications in the field of the restoration and rehabilitation of the architectural heritage in five countries: Germany, Belgium Dutch-speaking region, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. A striking feature in all five countries was the insignificant share of initial vocational training devoted to restoration and rehabilitation skills. Although the greater part of training in specific skills was accounted for by continuing training provision, all five countries had a shortfall in this sector. The concepts of "qualification" or "authorization" had different applications in the various countries. New needs had prompted the introduction of new training courses in specific skills leading to the award of certificates or diplomas. The job market for personnel qualified in restoration and rehabilitation skills was still small in all five countries. Firms still operated by trial and error. A general conclusion was that the upgrading and recognition of specific qualifications in rehabilitation and restoration skills had barely begun. (The 17-page summary report is followed by the five country reports. Each report provides information on these elements: training for the qualifications, recognition by firms as regards positioning in the classifications, and allocation of tasks. (YLB)

This report summarizes in tabular form the results of national studies that were conducted in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom to identify the job skills and knowledge required of persons employed in the fields of rehabilitation and conservation of historic buildings. Presented in chapter 1 is a comparative analysis of the situation existing with respect to the following issues/aspects of the rehabilitation/restoration sector of each of the five countries: legislation and regulation, scale of the market, firms and their workers, and training and qualifications. Chapter 2 consists of 14 tables detailing the skills required in connection with each component of buildings needing rehabilitation/restoration. In the tables, information regarding parts of buildings, defects, contingencies, treatment, techniques, and knowledge is provided for each of the following building components/restoration processes: foundations; walls; partition walls; floors; woodwork; roof coverings; waterproofing and drainage; plasterwork; joinery; glazing; tiling and paving; painting; metalwork; and sanitary installations, heating, and electricity. Discussed in chapter 3 are considerations entailed in building a pool of skilled workers in the restoration and rehabilitation trades and factors conducive to formulating occupational profiles (exchanges and networks, instructor training, and official recognition of qualifications). (MN)