In a message dated 6/17/99 1:21:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, richardb@c2i.net writes: << Thought I would share with you the following information. In Norway, there is a proposal before the government to restrict by law the useage of the titles "Piano Tuner" "Piano Technician", and to forbid anyone from selling work on pianos unless they are certified. The Association is working actively here to find an acceptable curicculum and examanitions proceedure to be included at the University level of study for those interested in becoming techs. The proposed testing is quite involved and includes a good deal of rebuilding skills, tuning theory, and of course a tuning and regulating exam. It would take 2 - 3 days to accomplish. 4 years of study would be required. The proposed law has actually a reasonably good chance of being passed. Seems like the biggest hinder at this point is how exactly to set up the course for study. In light of recent discussions regarding the Journal CD, I thought this might be of interest. I am skeptical to the proposed law as I question whether the authorities are willing to enforce it or not. If so.. then I would support it. If one is first going to restrict a trade (electricians, plumbers, pianowork, or any other trade), it must be done by law, and with the sole purpose of preventing those who are not competent in any given field from takeing money from the public for such work. Finland has such a law, and to my knowledge it is very workable. This of course does not prevent someone from tinkering with their own piano, or a friend from talking you into tinkering with yours. But it does severely limit amature / non proffesional work. If the law is passed in Norway, no one will be able to advertise, accept payment for work, use the titles, or in anyway perform any tasks of a piano tech in any commercial sense unless they have authorised certification from the acrediting authorities in Norway. Richard Brekne ICPTG We had a situation where a local technician was asked to set up a curriculum based on a journeymans level approved by the state. He asked our opinion and we felt it was too much regulation and the last thing we wanted is for the government to interfere with our business. I can see why some countries want to regulate the technician to keep the quality of service on pianos in check. Here we have schlock technicians and they can hurt the industry with cheap and low quality service. But I would much rather deal with schlocks rather that have government interference. Many of my clients ask if the PTG is a union or licence to practice piano technology. We know it is not. The PTG encourages excellence. We test to see how we stand out to the best technicians in the world. We have local, regional, and national conferences to learn more about piano technology. If the client wants cheap work, he or she will get it. It is a free world. If he or she wants quality work, he or she is willing to pay more for it. It is good to demand technicians to perform quality work. But the government should not mandate it. My humble opinian of course. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City, OR
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