Bulduru tehnikums has been officially recognised as an accredited certification centre of the European Arboricultural Council (EAC) for organising “European Tree Worker” (ETW) examinations. This approval is a significant step in the development of the Latvian arboriculture sector and is testament to the school's many years of work in strengthening education and professional qualifications.

The EAC's Certification and Quality Management working group (CQM) has given high marks to the competence of Bulduru tehnikums, its practical training facilities and its cooperation with the “Latvijas Kokkopju-Arboristu biedrība”, which is a member of the EAC.

“We are proud to be joining the network of European certification centres and we see this step as an opportunity to become even more actively involved in developing arboriculture education and standards in Latvia,” says Rafaels Joffe, member of the board of Bulduru tehnikums.

As a mark of this recognition, the EAC has invited Bulduru tehnikums to take part in its autumn 2025 meeting in Prague, where representatives of European certification centres and supervisory bodies will come together to share experience and discuss current issues in the field of arboricultural qualifications.

This achievement strengthens the standing of Bulduru tehnikums as a regional centre for professional education and upskilling in arboriculture.

We are continuing to grow!

Our aim is not only to educate, but also to set and uphold the highest standards in arboriculture. We invite both professionals and aspiring arborists to join our courses, our educational events and, in the future, the ETW examinations right here in Bulduri

What is the ETW and why does it matter?

The ETW (European Tree Worker) is an internationally recognised certificate that attests to an arborist's professional skills and knowledge. The certificate is a mark of quality for any specialist in the sector who wants to work to high standards in Latvia or abroad.

At last, in Latvia there is a choice of certification centre at which to sit and renew the qualifications offered by the European Arboricultural Council. Previously this was only possible at https://www.facebook.com/LatvijasKokkopjuArboristubiedriba, or you had to look for opportunities abroad, but now, thanks to our school, it will be possible right here in Latvia – in Jūrmala, at Bulduru Tehnikums.

Why were we chosen?

The European Arboricultural Council (EAC) assessed several aspects:

• the quality of our professional education in arboriculture and landscape horticulture;

• the existence of a practical training base, including our arboriculture training park;

• our cooperation with Latvijas Kokkopju-Arboristu biedrība, which takes an active part in assessing qualification examinations;

• the competence of our ETW-certified teaching staff.

Our joining the network of European certification centres is testament to the trust placed in us, to quality, and to long-term investment in the development of the sector.

What does this mean for our students and for the sector?

• Internationally recognised ETW examinations available in Latvia

• Greater professional growth for arborists

• A stronger arboriculture sector and better tree care in urban areas

• Bulduru Tehnikums as a significant player on the European education map