Following the introduction of The Fire Safety (England) Regulations on 23rd 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.
In a bid to drive the number of new entrants during National Apprenticeship Week, we’re teaming up with leading training facility, the Fire Service College, to drive recruitment and encourage young talent to consider a career within the fire service. Showcasing varied and diverse career opportunities, we’re working together to demonstrate the different pathways that derive from apprenticeships.
The IFE recognises the colleges end-point assessment as a route to membership which enables students to apply for Technician grade membership earning the post-nominals TIFireE.
Developing the new talent pool
As a global professional membership body, the IFE is dedicated to supporting its members through legislative change and encouraging new talent to join the industry. As a testament to this, we recently made our student membership free of charge, providing the new talent pool with access to key resources and continuing professional development (CPD). Keeping abreast of regulatory changes is vital in order to keep up to date with new ways of working and best practices.
We’re also in the early stages of developing an Early Careers Networking Group, this will provide budding fire engineers at the Fire Service College (FSC) with a platform to share knowledge, raise issues and tap into global networking opportunities.
Commenting on the joint venture, our CEO, 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 ensure recruits are competent and adaptive to the new enforcements.
Remaining one of the top fire training facilities in the world, the college has plans in place to ensure learning experiences remain second to none. 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.”
For further information on apprenticeships at the Fire Service College, visit https://apprentices.fireservicecollege.ac.uk/ or contact 01608 812984. Learn how the IFE can benefit you and your career and explore membership opportunities today.