A new push for apprentices to work in the field of fire detection and alarm systems is being spearheaded by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and Skills for Security.

The scheme is designed to attract competent young people and produce installers with recognised qualifications.

The programme is aimed at candidates aged 16-24 and comprises three elements over a period of 18 months: an NVQ Level 2 (practical skills); a technical certificate (subject knowledge); and key skills certificates (application of numeracy, communication and ICT).

Apprentices attend college or a training centre to gain the theoretical knowledge and learn their practical skills in the workplace, under the instruction of a supervisor or mentor. Many apprentices then go on to complete the Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3, says the FIA.

Employers are required to pay the apprentice’s wages but the tuition and college fees are met in full or in part by government funding through Skills for Security.

“Only by recruiting the right calibre of entrants and training them in the latest technological advances, will the UK industry meet the ever increasing demand for higher skills,” said FIA chief executive, Graham Ellicott.

“Apprenticeships develop a workforce that has both the technical knowledge and the practical skills that UK fire companies and their customers need. The UK is presently seen as having a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise, but we need to invest in training the next generation of fire safety engineers. And, training an apprentice is far more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, as government funding is usually available to cover the cost.”