In line with the latest Government instruction to close all educational settings due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the FIA will be changing the way we deliver our courses, exams and CPD.
From Monday 23rd March the FIA will be moving to deliver its training to an online platform, allowing students to learn from the comfort and safety of their home during this period of enforced self-isolation. It will be delivered live by professional instructors, with the opportunity to interact through a variety of methods.
The FIA’s aim is to provide continuity of supply throughout these difficult times, and as a side benefit, fully utilise your staff’s time while working from home to learn new skills that the industry desperately needs. The requirements post-Hackitt report and all the subsequent Competency Steering Group all indicate Level 3 qualifications as a minimum to work in fire safety – so they will be well prepared with the knowledge and qualifications needed for future projects.
From Monday 23rd March, all courses will be delivered online until the 31st June 2020. Should this date need to be extended based on Government advice; then the FIA will announce this via its social media and email channels.
Whilst remote access will rarely achieve the same engagement level as face to face, detailed preparation and participation will aid students in coming close to the same experience as it is the same course, delivered by the same instructors, using the same supporting literature ,with the same opportunities to interact with questions through a live chat and Q&A function.
The costs of the courses are the same, as the provider overhead is the same as the room hire being balanced by the provision of the interactive presentation package. The learner will benefit from zero cost of travel and accommodation and zero travelling time.
However, understanding that some might not gain the same value as classroom attendance; should the student fail the examination then the FIA is prepared to offer a free place in a classroom (once resumed) on the same course and exam, both free of cost. The Association says it is still working on how best to set up the examination process in line with OFQUAL’s requirements; however, this will not change the timings stated for the courses.
The way you book yourself or others on a course has not changed. Now you are equipped with the knowledge of what courses are now running online, you are able to go and book on to an online course straight away.
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