In a move to drive recruitment and encourage young talent, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has joined forces with training facility, The Fire Service College (FSC), to boost the number of new entrants to the profession during National Apprenticeship Week.
Following the introduction of The Fire Safety (England) Regulations on 23 January, fire engineers are more in-demand than ever before and a crucial resource across all aspects of fire safety in new and existing residential building developments.
Following the outcome of Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower public inquiry, the new legislative framework will see the UK’s fire industry change dramatically, encouraging a collaborative effort when it comes to fire safety. Changes to current regulations have increased obligations for responsible persons, subsequently uncovering a massive requirement for competent and qualified professionals across all aspects of fire safety.
These changes and renewed focus on fire safety can help to encourage young people into a career in fire safety, believes the IFE and FSC. The apprenticeship pathway is designed to offer a solid foundation in which to grow a prosperous career within the sector and being confined to a firefighter role is a common misconception.
Fire engineers cover a huge range of jobs from being first response to designing products, conducting investigations, assessing risks and exploring behaviour patterns. The various job roles within the sector influence the buildings we live in, the transport we use and the products we buy, and all work towards protecting people, property and the environment from the devastating effects of fire, highlights the IFE.
To further support and embrace young talent into the sector, the Institution recently made its student membership free of charge, providing the new talent pool with access to key resources, online continuing professional development (CPD) and global networking opportunities.
As part of the apprenticeship pathway, every apprentice must successfully undertake an independent end-point assessment to confirm they have achieved occupational competence and capability. The IFE recognises the FSC’s end-point assessment as a route to membership and through working cohesively, this enables students to apply for Technician grade membership earning the post-nominals TIFireE.
“Diverse opportunities available in the fire engineering sector”
Commenting on the joint venture, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers, Steve Hamm, added: ‘It’s such an exciting time to join the industry. Through working with the Fire Service College, we are able to showcase clear pathways into the fire sector and how it offers a range of diverse opportunities. From mapping wildfires in the U.S. to developing hydrogen energy projects in Japan, not all roles lead to becoming a firefighter and fire engineers remain crucial in our mission to a sustainable and fire-safe future.
“As the international professional body for those in the fire sector, it’s our responsibility to offer inspiration, support and professional development to the next generation of fire engineering talent. Through offering free membership to apprentices and developing platforms for young talent, we’re showcasing our dedication to the next generation of fire engineers.”
With academia remaining pivotal to evolving fire safety, The Fire Service College is also developing its academic modules to cover the new legislative framework. This will be designed to ensure recruits are competent and adaptive to the new enforcements.
Learning Delivery and Transformation Director at the college, Clair Mowbray, commented “Our apprenticeship programme has been developed by sector experts, taking on board feedback from previous apprentices. All those who take part in an apprenticeship programme with us have access to world-class training facilities and experienced, highly qualified instructors. Our apprenticeships are a fantastic route into becoming a fire and rescue professional.
“Apprenticeships also enable those from a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives to access a career in the fire service, with different career paths available, including firefighter, community roles and Fire Safety.”
Find out more about apprenticeships at the Fire Service College here.
Evolving opportunities, same challenges - Learnings from FIREX International 2022
This eBook provides a summary of several key debates and presentations that took place at FIREX International 2022 in May, alongside some additional exclusive content for readers.
We cover topics ranging from the issue of single staircases in high risk and multi-occupied buildings, through to the role the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing in the fire safety industry at present. There are also chapters on how BIM can support fire safety standards, the role of the digital golden thread, smoke control in high-rise residential buildings an insight into a new guidance note for fire alarms from the FIA.
