Comokra recognised as an ECOL Training Institute

The Flemish training centre Comokra has been officially recognised as an ECOL Training Institute. This means that the centre is now authorised to provide training for the European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL), the internationally recognised professional qualification for mobile crane operators. Comokra is an established name in crane operator training, with over twenty years experience. … Read more

Finland officially recognises European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL)

Finland has formally recognised ESTA’s European Crane Operators Licence as the scheme continues to slowly expand its influence. AVI Approval has been given by AVI, the country’s Regional State Administrative Agencies. The agencies are regional arms of the state with a wide range of regulatory, supervisory and permit-granting responsibilities across basic public services and occupational … Read more

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