The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has received approval for a Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF).Developed by BAFSA members in conjunction with Industry Qualifications (IQ) the The IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF) is something of a milestone, being the first national qualification for sprinkler installers.
The qualification is aimed at anyone employed in the mechanical fire protection sector who installs or plans to install fire sprinklers. The qualification framework is sufficiently broad to equip students with the skills to install systems in a wide variety of situations and locations, says BAFSA.
The course will cover health and safety, an overview of the fire sprinkler industry, relationship building and communication, understanding how to manage resources, maintaining compliance and dealing with non-compliance, installation and final handover procedures.
“The dedication and hard work of the team who have developed this important qualification will continue to ensure this qualification, and future developments, benefit the whole of the industry,” said Mike Green, vice chair of BAFSA and chair of the Skills & Development Committee which played a pivotal role in developing the qualification.
Said Sallyann Baldry, head of business development at IQ: “I have represented the awarding organisation, Industry Qualifications, for over two years on the BAFSA Skills and Development Committee and it has proved a rewarding experience to work with such committed individuals who have voluntarily come together for the betterment of their industry.
“They recognised the skills needs in the fire sprinkler industry and the drivers for change that are being brought about through changes in legislation and technology. This qualification will go a long way to address these needs”.
Robust assessment strategy
The national qualification is supported by a robust Assessment Strategy which will ensure effective quality assurance arrangements for the qualification. Assessment for all the units will be through a portfolio of evidence (internally set and marked and quality assured by IQ).
Ruth Oliver, BAFSA skills & qualifications technical adviser who worked with the Skills and Development Committee to achieve the qualification, said: “This qualification will equip people with the skills that employers want and that learners need to secure and maintain employment. It will also contribute to the UK’s business productivity, by ensuring that employers are able to make the most of the skills and competency of their workforce.
“This exciting opportunity will allow individuals to evidence their competencies within sprinkler installation to those who are investing in sprinkler technology in addition to raising the professionalism of the sector. ”
Comprising seven units totalling 209 guided learning hours the qualification will be initially delivered by BAFSA’s preferred Training Providers: Neath Port Talbot College in South Wales and Manchester College. B
Peter Snowball, Head of school, building engineering services, Neath Porth Talbot College Group, said: “As the first FE institution to be a member of BAFSA, NPTC Group of Colleges would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Skills and Development Committee on their achievement.
“We are delighted to have been there supporting and providing input to this achievement from the outset. We are eager to play our part in the delivery and be one of the first colleges to deliver this qualification to the industry in Wales. NPTC Group looks forward to a bright future working with BAFSA.”
Chris Partington, head of the construction curriculum at Manchester College, said: “Manchester College is proud to be the preferred learning provider for this new and exciting qualification for BAFSA and its members. This is an exciting time and we are looking forward to working alongside BAFSA and its members to deliver a professional and valuable qualification for the fire sprinkler industry.”
Courses will begin from September 2015 with formal launch dates at both venues taking place in late September at Neath Porth Talbot College and late October at Manchester College. Further details on the qualification, assessment strategy, course dates and formal launch events will be available from BAFSA’s new Skills & Qualification webpage.
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