MAJOR NEW FIRE AND SECURITY APPRENTICESHIP LAUNCHES

Industry unites to announce start of new trailblazer apprenticeship standard

The fire, emergency and security systems apprenticeship trailblazer has officially launched this week during a major industry event held at the UBM offices in London. The majority of candidates are now expected to formally start their apprenticeship in September this year.

The event was jointly organised by the apprenticeship employers group, alongside the Fire and Security Association (FSA), the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

The launch event included speeches from senior industry figures including Pat Allen of the employers group, Gerry Dunphy of IFSEC/FIREX, and Simon Banks of CSL Dualcom.

Pat Allen, who leads the apprenticeship employers group, commented:

“The entire industry was able to collaborate and create a clear standard that will give apprentices the core skills and experience they require to become the engineers of tomorrow.

“The new apprenticeship will now provide an opportunity for employers within the fire, emergency and security sectors to work together and influence the future of our industry.”

The trailblazer apprenticeship was developed over two years by the employers group, alongside a range of industry bodies including the BSIA, FIA and FSA. The apprenticeship was designed to meet the business needs of the industry, and was approved by the government last year.

The new apprenticeship standard will replace the current industry framework. It aims to equip apprentices with a range of skills and knowledge in order to become the engineers of tomorrow.

About the BSIA: The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see www.bsia.co.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 0845 389 3889/020 3585 1444.

About the FIA: The FIA is a not-for-profit trade association promoting professional standards in the UK fire safety industry.

The Association was formed in April 2007 out of a merger between two longstanding and well-respected trade associations, FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trade Association) and BFPSA (British Fire Protection Systems Association). The FIA is ‘owned’ by its members, which means that they are answerable to and representative of their members.

About the FSA: The FSA is the leading trade association dedicated to companies who design, install, commission, maintain and monitor electronic fire, emergency and security systems.

As a specialist group of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and working in partnership with SELECT, the Scottish electrotechnical trade association, the FSA is uniquely positioned to improve industry standards and enhance and develop members’ businesses.

FSA members receive an unbeatable range of services and benefits designed to give their business the commercial advantage, recognition and support they deserve. Additionally, clients can be assured of professionalism and quality by selecting an FSA member to design, install and commission their next system.

About the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and its members: The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is the UK’s largest trade association representing electrical, electrotechnical and other engineering contractors, at regional, national and European level. ECA member-companies are rigorously assessed before membership is approved.

Member firms have a combined turnover in excess of £6 billion annually. Member firms carry out design and installation activity across domestic and commercial sectors. This ranges from power and lighting to data communications, to energy efficiency and renewables, as well as the design and installation of cutting-edge building control technologies.

The ECA’s 2,800 members range from SME electrical firms to nationwide engineering contractors and building services firms that employ thousands of professionals on major UK projects.

To visit the ECA website, please click here.