The National Qualifications Agency has approved the professional standard Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator (Deminer). This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi
with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Economy.
“Until now, we have not had a professional standard for deminers. In fact, operators were forced to train specialists for humanitarian demining on their own according to their own developed programmes. The availability of a professional standard that meets international requirements (IMAS – International Mine Action Standards) creates uniform rules for everyone and significantly expands the opportunities for deminers’ training. This will make it possible to engage veterans in humanitarian demining, who, after training, will be able to work for both Ukrainian and international mine action operators,” said Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravaynyi.
It is noted that after the standard is approved, a number of measures will be taken to introduce the new profession into the legal field: assigning a code, streamlining remuneration.
Subsequently, a corresponding educational standard will be developed on the basis of the professional standard. After receiving accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Science, it will allow graduates to become certified deminers on a par with other professions, the ministry says.
“The approved professional standard, which meets the requirements of IMAS, will allow specialists with an international certificate to confirm their qualifications in Ukraine. Also, Ukrainian deminers who are trained according to the new standard will be able to work for international companies without having to start training from the very beginning,” the Ministry of Economy said.
The developed standard provides for 5 levels of training. The basic level will allow a specialist to be involved in non-technical surveys, and the next level will allow them to conduct technical surveys. The next level is demining of territories, buildings, etc.