Industry welcomes new fire and security apprenticeship for Wales

Development of this apprenticeship, which was jointly funded by the FSA and the SSAIB, comes as a direct response to employer demand in Wales. Employers were also closely involved in the Steering Group which closely oversaw the development process.

Welsh apprentices and employers will benefit from the curriculum aligned with UK-wide technical and occupational competence standards. The apprenticeship features two qualifications both of which have now been designated by Qualifications Wales: the EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems and the EAL Level 3 Knowledge Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems.

On completion, individuals will achieve UK FESS Technician status and entitlement to apply for a gold card under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.

Significantly, the establishment of this new benchmark also provides a route for the existing workforce in Wales to upskill from operative to gold card Technician level when the FESS Experienced Worker Assessment route becomes widely available across the whole of the UK later on this year.

Important step forward

Tom Brookes, chair of the FSA, commented: “The new apprenticeship in fire and security marks an important step forward for FESS standards in Wales. As such, it represents a fantastic achievement for the close and effective partnership on competence and skills now developing between the Welsh Government and industry employers. We look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow and strengthen further over time.”

Trevor Jenks, national training manager at the SAIB, responded: “The SSAIB is delighted to have been involved in the development of the new Welsh apprenticeship pathway, which both aligns with the UK-wide FESS Technician standard and also respects Wales’ specific training identity and norms. The SSAIB continues to take a leading role in setting and raising the technical standards as the whole FESS sector upskills on its route towards a fully competent workforce, validated by an individual’s competency card.”

Vaughan Gething, Minister for the Economy in Wales, concluded: “The Welsh Government is committed to investing in quality apprenticeships that support economic growth. This new apprenticeship will raise standards across the fire, emergency and security systems sectors and make a significant contribution to the competence and skills of the workforce in Wales. Its development is testament to the value and strength of collaborative working when looking to meet industry needs.”