Sarens’ revamped training centre backing ECOL

Sarens inaugurated its revamped operator training centre in Wolvertem, Belgium, last week, increasing its capacity both for classroom and practical crane training operations. The centre has also included ESTA’s European Crane Operators Licence in its courses. To mark the development, the company organised an open day giving interested individuals and companies the chance to explore … Read more

Christmas boost as Swiss recognise ECOL

Switzerland is the latest country to formally recognise the ESTA’s European Crane Operators Licence as the scheme continues to expand its influence. The news was received this week from the authorities at SUVA (Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt), the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund. Alfred Suter, SUVA health and safety specialist, told ECOL: ” We were pleased to … Read more

ECOL welcomes first woman licence holder

Kelly Doruijter from the city of Spijkenisse in the Netherlands has become the first woman to hold an ECOL licence. She joined Mammoet in April 2021 and worked as a rigger before starting crane operator training at the company’s academy in September. Doruijter had previously served as a sergeant in the Dutch army and then … Read more

Niekamp joins ECOL Supervisory Board

ESTA’s Board has approved the appointment to the ECVOL Supervisory Board of Arnold Niekamp from the Dutch trade union HZC where he works as a district manager. HZC represents machinery workers, including crane operators. Arnold Niekamp has a background as an international lawyer and previously worked as a collective agreement secretary for both employers and … Read more

ECOL announces new in-company training scheme.

ESTA’s growing European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL) has adopted a new in-company apprentice training structure which the organisation’s leaders hope will make it easier for countries with a strong tradition of apprenticeships to become directly involved in the project. In light of the development, one leading German organisation has already indicated that it intends to … Read more

In memory of René van der Steen

It is with great sadness that the ECOL Foundation has to announce the sudden death of Supervisory Board member René van der Steen. He was 64 years old. René had been suffering from ill health for some time but until recently – driven by his great energy and enthusiasm – he was able to continue … Read more

Sarens moves to become ECOL trainer

Global crane and heavy transport specialist Sarens has applied to qualify its Belgian training facility under ESTA’s new European Crane Operators Licence. The move is another big boost for the ECOL scheme. To date, two European training facilities have become ECOL qualified – Mammoet in the Netherlands and EUC-Lillebǣlt from Denmark – with a further six … Read more

ECOL’s future structure takes shape as working group meets for the last time

The new future management team of ESTA’s planned European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL) project is almost complete as the project nears its formal launch early this year.  The final meeting of the current ECOL Working Group took place in Copenhagen, Denmark at the end of January. The voluntary group, chaired by ESTA Director Ton Klijn, … Read more

Client support for ECOL grows

ESTA’s planned European Crane Operators’ Licence  is receiving growing support from major clients who see it as a way of improving performance and safety on site. ESTA Director Ton Klijn said: “There are very good signs that client organisations are beginning to see the advantages of ECOL. Informally, we have already had strong signs of … Read more