Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


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LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


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Level of professional qualification
Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.
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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are knowledge, skills and competences acquired during a certain period of learning.

In Latvia, learning outcomes are stipulated by state education standards and occupational standards (for the professional qualifications).

Learning outcomes of higher education are defined by higher education institutions.


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Woodworking equipment operator (PQL 2)

  • Knowledge

    1. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of notion:
    1.1. basics of communication;
    1.2. ergonomics;
    1.3. basics of electrical techniques.
    2. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of understanding:
    2.1. woodworking auxiliary equipment structure and operation principles;
    2.2. woodworking equipment safety devices structure and operation principles;
    2.3. wood product drawing;
    2.4. woodworking technical labels;
    2.5. woodworking technological process;
    2.6. technologies of wood parts manufacturing;
    2.7. raw material types and qualities and labels;
    2.8. types of using locksmith tools;
    2.9. trees species;
    2.10. technical documentation and technological card;
    2.11. basics of physics and math;
    2.12. professional terms in the official language and in one foreign language.
    3. The knowledge necessary for performance of the basic tasks of the professional activity at the level of use:
    3.1. wood material types and their qualities;
    3.2. wood structure and faults;
    3.3. securing cutting tools, types and means of securing;
    3.4. measuring instruments, controlling instruments and their use;
    3.5. woodworking equipment structure and operation principles;
    3.6. wood blanks base surface detection and installation types ;
    3.7. wood surface base workpiece determination and setting types;
    3.8. types of wood cutting tools and abrasives;
    3.9. wood cutting process and treatment basics;
    3.10. labour protection (safety signs and signals, individual protection means);
    3.11. fire safety and rules (action in the case of fire);
    3.12. electrical safety rules (action in the case of the electrical current leakage);
    3.13. first aid;
    3.14. environmental protection;
    3.15. work place cleaning techniques and sequence;
    3.16. basic principles of professional and general ethics;
    3.17. legal employment regulations;
    3.18. official language;
    3.19. one foreign language at the level of communication.

  • Skills

    1. Know the tree species, wood material and board material types to be used in manufacturing.
    2. Assess wood and its material quality compliance to the performed work task.
    3. Read timber products drawings, technical labels and use technical documentation.
    4. Determine the necessary amount of wood raw material and work capacity needed to fulfil the order.
    5. Assess technical and visual condition of woodworking equipment, wood cutting tools, abrasives, auxiliary equipment and safety devices, understand the condition and accordingly act on the equipment sounds and visual signals, comply with safety signs.
    6. Set up and regulate safety devices, auxiliary equipment and other technological equipment, including laser line levels.
    7. Choose wood cutting tools and abrasives, determine their compliance, secure it and perform its replacement.
    8. Use locksmith tools.
    9. Perform mechanical work of the wood treatment with the position type and mobile stationary woodworking equipment (circular saw benches, band saw, long milling machines, milling machines, drill, drilling-punching machines, grinding machines and others)
    10. Choose and use appropriate treatment modes and change settings for woodworking equipment.
    11. Plan the own work, work independently in a work group, listen to instructions.
    12. Work in collective by complying with the basic principles of professional and general ethics.
    13. Perform the enumeration of the manufactured production and draw up documentation.
    14. Prepare different simple wood products and of the work necessary templates by using technical documentation and drawings.
    15. Choose and use measuring and control instruments.
    16. Perform regular size and quality control of the manufactured products.
    17. Prepare the work place and perform work according to the work safety, electrical safety, fire safety and environment protection requirements set in laws and regulations.
    18. Perform equipment maintenance complying with the schedule and using the appropriate lubricants and technical aids.
    19. Perform the work independently and be responsible for own work result.
    20. Provide the first aid.
    21. Know the official language.
    22. Know one foreign language at the level of the communication.
    23. Use professional terminology in the official language and in one foreign language.
    24. Comply with employment regulations.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    1. Ability visually assess woodworking equipment technical condition and possible risks.
    2. Ability to read wood product drawings and technical documentations.
    3. Ability to determine and choose wood decoration methods in accordance with the work task.
    4. Ability determine appropriate raw material for the work task performance.
    5. Ability to prepare for the work wood work equipment, tools, auxiliary equipment and check its compliance to the work safety requirements.
    6. Ability to prepare work place according to the technological process, ergonomics and work safety requirements.
    7. Ability to determine and choose for the material to be treated appropriated wood cutting tools and abrasives.
    8. Ability to perform wood mechanical treatment works with the position type machines, mobile stationary equipment and change equipment settings.
    9. Ability to choose appropriate measuring instruments and other technical means to perform measuring.
    10. Ability to choose and set up necessary auxiliary equipment and safety devices.
    11. Ability to assess, choose and use appropriate work clothes and individual safety means.
    12. Ability understand and comply with work safety, environment protection and fire safety requirements set by laws and regulations, as well as comply with work duties without doing harm to own and other person health.
    13. Ability to plan own work, work independently and in a work team.
    14. Ability to be responsible for own work result.
    15. Ability to comply with basic principles of professional and general ethics.
    16. Ability to improve qualification in accordance ith the employer’s requirements.
    17. Ability to provide the first aid.
    18. Ability to communicate in the official language and in one foreign language.
    19. Ability to comply with employment regulations.

Woodworking machine operator (PQL 3)

  • Knowledge

    Professional knowledge
    At the conceptual level:
    1. Fundamentals of electrical engineering.
    2. Fundamentals of ergonomics.
    3. Maintenance of woodworking machines.
    4. Technological processes in woodworking.
    5. Fundamentals of wood processing.
    6. Structure of wood and wood-based raw materials.
    7. Structure of joints and assemblies used in constructions.
    8. Parameters of joints used in constructions.
    9. Principles of installing joints used in constructions.
    10. Fundamentals of LEAN.
    11. Types and properties of materials.
    12. Fundamentals of technical drawing.
    13. Parameters of joints.

    At the comprehension level:
    1. Methods and techniques for fastening abrasive materials.
    2. Symbols used in technical drawings.
    3. Types of edge banding materials for parts.
    4. Safety signs and signals.
    5. Technological equipment used in woodworking.
    6. Quality standards (tolerances and allowances) in woodworking.
    7. Structure and operating principles of woodworking machines.
    8. Technological processes in woodworking.
    9. Quality standards for timber.
    10. Methods and possibilities for using wood cutting tools.
    11. Types of wood cutting tools and abrasive materials.
    12. Methods for fastening wood cutting tools and parts.
    13. Types and properties of wood cutting tools.
    14. Fundamentals of processing wood and wood-based panel materials.
    15. Types and properties of materials, and their classification according to material quality.
    16. Types and properties of materials.
    17. Types of auxiliary devices, their purpose, and operating principles.
    18. Fundamentals of technical drawing.
    19. Operation of related technological devices.
    20. Technical documentation.
    21. Technical specification.
    22. Technological process.
    23. Concept of technological flow.

    At the application level:
    1. Methods and techniques for fastening abrasive materials.
    2. Structure and operating principles of protective devices.
    3. Symbols used in technical drawings.
    4. Methods for using fitter’s tools required for work.
    5. Techniques and sequence for cleaning the workplace.
    6. Technology for manufacturing parts.
    7. Methods for fastening edge banding of parts.
    8. Safety signs and signals.
    9. Safety signs and signals.
    10. Electrical safety regulations.
    11. Technical documentation of cutting tools.
    12. Woodworking machines and wood cutting tools.
    13. Structure and operating principles of woodworking machines.
    14. Technical symbols used in woodworking.
    15. Fundamentals of wood processing.
    16. Methods and techniques for securing wood cutting tools.
    17. Methods and techniques for processing wood materials.
    18. Types and properties of wood materials.
    19. Fundamentals of mechanical processing of wood.
    20. Technical properties of wood-based panel materials.
    21. Use of inspection instruments.
    22. Adjustment of processing modes.
    23. Types and properties of materials.
    24. Measuring instruments and their use.
    25. Measuring instruments, inspection instruments, and their types.
    26. Use of measuring instruments.
    27. Auxiliary devices.
    28. Structure and operating principles of auxiliary devices.
    29. Reference surfaces of workpieces and the conditions for determining them.
    30. Methods for fastening workpieces.
    31. Technical documentation and charts.
    32. Technological process.
    33. Fire safety regulations.
    34. Principles of processing sawn timber.

    General knowledge
    At the conceptual level:
    1. Work environment risk factors and assessment methods.
    2. Laws and regulations governing occupational safety, electrical safety, and fire safety.
    3. Working conditions and human health as a condition of quality of life.
    4. Employment relationships.
    5. Rights, obligations, and responsibility of an individual.
    6. Information system security.
    7. Fundamentals of copyright.
    8. Types of artificial intelligence and possibilities for their use.
    9. Fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

    At the comprehension level:
    1. Operating instructions for technological equipment, tools, and devices, and their compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    2. Occurrence of risk situations when handling woodworking machines, machine tools, their cutting tools, equipment, and auxiliary devices.
    3. Occurrence of risk situations when handling hand-held power tools and non-mechanised hand-held tools.
    4. Impact of individual actions and decisions on own and other individuals’ security.
    5. Types and properties of chemicals used in the work process.
    6. Basic laws of physics when handling tools and machine tools.
    7. Principles of sustainable development.
    8. Structure of the employment contract and collective contract.
    9. Prerequisites for business communication.
    10. Psychology and ethics of interpersonal communication.
    11. Principles for promoting collaboration.
    12. Vocabulary.
    13. Grammar and language function.
    14. Types of verbal interaction.
    15. Grammar and language function.
    16. Calculation.
    17. Units of measurement and shapes.
    18. Mathematical terminology.
    19. Professional career development.
    20. Learning strategies.

    At the application level:
    1. Types of personal protective equipment.
    2. Safety signals and signs.
    3. Provision of first aid.
    4. Occupational safety measures when handling chemicals.
    5. Civil defence regulations.
    6. Principles of ‘green thinking’.
    7. Software for preparation of documents.
    8. Data security.
    9. Creation of prompts for artificial intelligence models.
    10. Positive communication techniques.
    11. Time planning techniques.
    12. Business communication and cooperation techniques.
    13. Official language.
    14. Sector-specific terminology.
    15. Vocabulary.
    16. Sector-specific terminology.
    17. Mathematical methods and tools.
    18. Process of organising the work environment.
    19. Self-organised work process.
    20. Planning methods.
    21. Self-assessment mechanisms.
    22. Planning of the study and career path.

  • Skills

    Professional skills and attitudes
    1. To read technical drawings.
    2. To recognise technical symbols in the work task.
    3. To interpret technical symbols.
    4. To find, select, and use the necessary information.
    5. To read technical documentation and process charts.
    6. To use technical documentation and process charts.
    7. To select woodworking techniques.
    8. To select equipment according to the work task.
    9. To recognise wood cutting tools.
    10. To identify wood cutting tools.
    11. To recognise wood species and types of timber.
    12. To determine the suitability of raw materials for performing the work task.
    13. To assess the quality and damage of wood-based raw materials.
    14. To identify materials according to their labelling.
    15. To visually assess the condition of equipment.
    16. To assess workplace risks.
    17. To use technical documentation.
    18. To use related technological equipment.
    19. To use the necessary protective devices.
    20. To use the necessary protective devices, templates, clamps, and supports.
    21. To follow the sequence of operations.
    22. To organise the workplace.
    23. To select an ergonomic working technique.
    24. To visually inspect wood cutting tools or abrasive materials.
    25. To select wood cutting tools or abrasive materials according to the work task.
    26. To use wood cutting tools or abrasive materials.
    27. To secure wood cutting tools or abrasive materials.
    28. To maintain woodworking cutting tools.
    29. To replace wood cutting tools or abrasive materials.
    30. To position the workpiece.
    31. To determine reference surfaces.
    32. To handle the feed mechanism.
    33. To use safe working techniques.
    34. To saw wood and wood-based panel materials using circular saws, band saws, and panel saws.
    35. To mill wood and wood-based panel materials and workpieces using universal milling machines, routers, edge milling machines, and copy milling machines.
    36. To perform longitudinal milling (planing) of wood and wood-based panel materials and workpieces using jointers, thickness planers, and multi-spindle longitudinal milling machines.
    37. To produce holes according to the work task, using single-spindle and multi-spindle drilling machines.
    38. To produce tenons and other recesses in workpieces using drilling-mortising machines and electric chisels.
    39. To grind workpieces and parts using belt and disc sanding machines.
    40. To turn workpieces on wood lathes to produce simple turned products.
    41. To select the most efficient manufacturing method.
    42. To produce joints for parts.
    43. To mark workpieces for mechanical processing operations using measuring and marking tools.
    44. To mechanically process workpieces – saw, mill, plane, drill, and mortise.
    45. To use woodworking machines, machine tools, appropriate cutting tools, various types of equipment, and auxiliary devices for the assessment of process effectiveness.
    46. To monitor the compliance of workpieces with the established technological and quality requirements.
    47. To prepare adhesive for the bonding process.
    48. To apply/install edge banding on parts.
    49. To post-process the edges of edge-banded parts.
    50. To verify the validity and suitability of measuring instruments before use.
    51. To use templates.
    52. To select inspection and measuring instruments.
    53. To perform measurements.
    54. To manufacture reference parts and templates.
    55. To use auxiliary devices.
    56. To use auxiliary equipment.
    57. To use protective devices.
    58. To perform mechanical processing of wood and wood-based panel materials using woodworking machines.
    59. To assess the quality of the processing.
    60. To follow the instructions for performing measurements.
    61. To read technical drawings and technical specification.
    62. To perform regular dimensional checks.
    63. To keep records and documentation of manufactured products.
    64. To analyse deviations in the measurements performed.
    65. To adjust processing modes/settings.
    66. To assess the readiness of the workplace for operation.
    67. To follow the equipment maintenance schedule.
    68. To assess the readiness of the workplace for operation.
    69. To visually inspect woodworking machines.
    70. To use inspection instruments.
    71. To recognise acoustic and visual signals of woodworking machines and control panels.
    72. To assess potential risks.
    73. To use inspection and measuring instruments.
    74. To determine whether wood cutting tools and abrasive materials comply with occupational safety requirements.
    75. To distinguish abrasive materials.
    76. To distinguish levels of wear of cutting tools.
    77. To distinguish levels of wear of abrasive materials.
    78. To check the operational readiness of auxiliary devices and protective devices.
    79. To distinguish levels of wear of auxiliary devices and protective devices.

    General skills and attitudes
    1. To participate in the assessment of work environment risks.
    2. To operate technological equipment and machinery in accordance with instructions.
    3. To ensure the safe storage and transportation of materials.
    4. To create safe stacks of materials and workpieces or parts during the work process.
    5. To be well-versed in the storage and use of chemicals required for the work process.
    6. To use personal protective equipment as necessary or in accordance with the instruction.
    7. To act in accordance with occupational safety, electrical safety, fire safety, environmental protection, and civil defence requirements.
    8. To maintain local extraction/filtration systems.
    9. To keep the workplace clean and in order.
    10. To observe workplace culture.
    11. To provide first aid.
    12. To act in the event of fire in accordance with the established procedures.
    13. To assess the impact of individual actions and decisions on own and other individuals’ security.
    14. To act in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and ‘green thinking’ in professional activity and daily life.
    15. To comply with the requirements of Labour Law.
    16. To comply with the company’s internal rules of procedure.
    17. To prepare documents and reports using software.
    18. To use information technologies.
    19. To comply with information technology security and data protection requirements.
    20. To perform work tasks individually and in a team.
    21. To be aware of own responsibility in completing a common task.
    22. To plan the sequence of work task performance.
    23. To participate in generating new ideas.
    24. To think critically and creatively.
    25. To resolve conflict situations.
    26. To justify own opinion.
    27. To communicate in the official language.
    28. To use professional terminology in the official language.
    29. To communicate verbally and in writing in one foreign language.
    30. To use sector-specific professional terminology.
    31. To use mathematical methods and calculations when performing work tasks.
    32. To compare quantities, drawing conclusions for the optimal performance of work tasks.
    33. To plan the required resources for work performance.
    34. To use the allocated resources effectively.
    35. To put forward proposals for improving work processes.
    36. To assess own professional experience and the level of professional skills.
    37. To be well-versed in the sources of information on sectoral developments.
    38. To acquire new skills according to labour market needs.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    Professional competences
    1. Ability to read technical drawings and analyse technical documentation.
    2. Ability to use technical drawings and technical documentation according to the work task.
    3. Ability to determine and select the processing method according to the work task.
    4. Ability to determine suitable raw materials for performing work tasks.
    5. Ability to determine the technical condition and operational readiness of woodworking machines.
    6. Ability to select and prepare appropriate woodworking machines, tools, auxiliary devices, and aids, and verify their compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    7. Ability to organise the workplace in line with the technological process, principles of ergonomics, and occupational safety/labour protection requirements.
    8. Ability to responsibly use ergonomic working techniques and appropriate equipment/tools.
    9. Ability to select wood cutting tools or abrasive materials suitable for the material being processed for the performance of the work task.
    10. Ability to position workpieces, determine reference surfaces, and handle feed mechanisms.
    11. Ability to perform mechanical processing of wood products and wood-based panel materials using position-type equipment and mobile stationary equipment.
    12. Ability to use cutting tools or abrasive materials, auxiliary devices, and protective devices.
    13. Ability to manufacture parts of wooden products according to the technical drawing.
    14. Ability to perform edge banding of parts in accordance with technical drawings and technological and quality requirements.
    15. Ability to use appropriate measuring instruments and other technical equipment in order to perform control measurements.
    16. Ability to manufacture a reference part, using cutting tools, abrasive materials, auxiliary devices, and protective devices.
    17. Ability to verify the conformity of parts with the technical drawing/technical specification and keep records of produced items.
    18. Ability to adjust the technological process based on measurements.
    19. Ability to perform routine maintenance of equipment.
    20. Ability to assess the technical condition and operational readiness of equipment, auxiliary devices, and protective devices.
    21. Ability to determine the wear and technical condition of cutting tools and abrasive materials.
    22. Ability to determine the technical condition and operational readiness of auxiliary devices and protective devices.

    General competences
    1. Ability to perform work tasks in accordance with occupational safety, electrical safety, fire safety, environmental protection, and civil defence requirements.
    2. Ability to act responsibly to emergency situations and provide first aid.
    3. Ability to apply the principles of sustainable development and ‘green thinking’ in professional activity and daily life.
    4. Ability to establish and comply with employment relationships and comply with the internal regulations of the organisation.
    5. Ability to safely use information and communication technologies to complete a work task.
    6. Ability to work individually and in a team, while being aware of own responsibility in performing tasks and in overall cooperation.
    7. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the official language.
    8. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in one foreign language in the work environment, using professional terminology.
    9. Ability to use mathematical methods and calculations for the optimal performance of work tasks.
    10. Ability to perform work in line with the principles of entrepreneurship.
    11. Ability to improve own skills for professional development.

Qualification acquisition requirements

Previous education
From the age of 15, the transcript of records for partially acquired general basic education OR Certificate of general basic education
Ways to acquire 
Qualifications can be acquired in the framework of education programs or in the evaluation and recognition of non-formal knowledge, skills and competences acquired (in vocational education LKI Levels 2-4).
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Formal (through education programmes) or
Formal (through non-formal education acquired competence recognition process, completing the qualifications professional examination)
ECTS credit points 
Snice 11.10.2022 60 credit points correspond to the study results acquired in full-time studies in one academic year in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).Since 11.10.2022

Till 11.10.2022 1 Latvian credit point corresponds to 1,5 ECTS credit point.
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Duration of study 
Duration of qualification in full-time studies
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not less than 480 or not less than 640 hours.

Qualification document

Awarding body

Vocational basic and secondary education institution

- Aizkraukle Vocational Secondary School

- Aizkraukles Profesionālā vidusskola

Type of awarding bodies:

- Jelgavas tehnikums

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Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


Go to the Glossary section
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3

LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


Go to the Glossary section
?

3

Level of professional qualification

Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.


Go to the Glossary section
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2

LQF PQ level:

Kas ir LKI?2

Theoretical and practical training corresponding to the LQF levels, characterized by the learning outcomes that can be achieved at the relevant level, which gives the opportunity to perform work corresponding to a certain level of complexity and responsibility.
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Qualification field, stage and type

Thematic field (ISCED 2013)
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) developed by UNESCO.
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Manufacturing and processing (072)

Detailed field: (ISCED 2013)

Materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood) (0722)

Education
Stages of Latvian education system included in the LQF:
- basic education
- secondary education
- higher education
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Basic education

Qualification type
ITypes of Latvian education:
-General education
-Professional education
-Academic education
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Vocational (continuing education)

Full or partial

Full qualification

Sector Qualifications Structure: Wood industry (forestry, woodworking) sector

Kvalifikācijas tips:
Base qualification:
Connected to: CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL BASIC EDUCATION with professional qualification: Wooden Material Processor , Certificate of professional qualification: Wooden Material Processor , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Computerized Woodworking Machine Operator , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Carpenter , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Carpenter , Certificate of professional qualification: Cabinet Maker , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Carpenter of Construction Products , Certificate of professional qualification: Carpenter of Construction Products , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Woodworking product manufacturing technician , Master of Engineering (Wood Materials and Technology) (LLU) , Doctoral degree Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Engineering Science and Technology (LBTU) , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Computerized Woodworking Machine Operator , Certificate of professional qualification: Computerized Woodworking Machine Operator , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Construction products carpenter , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Specialist of Wood Products Design , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Wood Products Design Specialist

Link to the descriptions of the Sector Qualifications Structure levels

Other information

National Education Information System

National Database of Education Opportunities

Active qualification

Last changes: 02.04.2026

Posted: 07.05.2016