Pioneers blaze a trail for new fire detection training course
Members and staff acted as the first delegates when a pilot session of our latest training course in fire detection and fire alarm systems was recently rolled out in Ayrshire.
After the successful launch of our electric vehicle (EV) charge point installation course last year, we turned our sights to another new training module requested by Members.
Developed with input from across the industry, the result is the SQA Customised Award in Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems, AKA course number 203.
The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) has rated the one-day module at Level 7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which reflects the level of care and dedication that’s once again gone into developing it.
And that hard work paid off with a full house of Members and staff as the pilot course was rolled out at the Fenwick Hotel in Ayrshire on Wednesday 23 October.
The test session was delivered by Training Development Adviser Stuart McKelvie and Consultant Technical Adviser Billy McRobert, who both contributed to its development.
Director of Technical Services Bob Cairney and Technical Adviser Bruce Findlay also went back to school and sat in as delegates, along with eight SELECT Members including Past Presidents Donald W Orr and Kevin Griffin and Lanarkshire Branch Chair Craig McGowan.
Stuart said he was pleased with the rollout, telling me: “The pilot course went extremely smoothly, with the candidates clearly engaged and asking plenty of questions.
“Having Bob and Bruce in the audience also meant they could observe things from the delegates’ point of view, and we made some minor adjustments as a result.”
Billy added: “It was great to launch yet another SELECT training course with such a popular session and we look forward to rolling it out to Members from February onward.”
Delegate feedback was extremely positive, with post-session comments including “the course notes are comprehensive” and “plenty of time was given to complete the workbook exercises and multiple-choice questions, which were pitched at the right level”.
We’re currently busy planning the course’s delivery across Scotland in the New Year as part of the association’s 125th anniversary celebrations. We’d like to hear from Members who my be interested in the course, so have outlined the format and requirements below to help you see what’s involved.
Overview, aims and requirements
This one-day course has been developed for electricians, fire alarm engineers or installers and is also suitable update training for Members assessed in SELECT Work Category 3.4.
The session aims to provide candidates with the basic knowledge to undertake the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in line with the British Standard BS 5839-1.
As a result, successful delegates will be in a position to take full advantage of the ever-growing demand for these skills within new constructions and the implementation of legislation and insurance requirements.
Format and assessments
Three workbook assessments are to be completed during the day, which will allow candidates to focus on key learning objectives and test understanding.
The IET Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems can be used for reference during the assessments, which each take a maximum of 20 minutes as follows:
Assessment A – knowledge of the key principles in The IET Guide and Section 2 of the Building Standards Division Non-Domestic Technical Handbook.
Assessment B – design and installation of various detection devices.
Assessment C – circuit wiring, inspection, testing, certification and maintenance.
A multiple-choice questionnaire will also be held at the end of the day, with 45 minutes allowed for completion.
What you’ll need to bring
Delegates wanting to take the new course must have a copy of The IET Electrician’s Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems publication (as amended). They must also spend a minimum of ten hours pre-study time going through it prior to the course itself.
If you don’t have a copy of this publication, it can be purchased through the SELECT Shop on the SELECT website. Alternatively, please call our Technical Admin Team on 0131 445 5577 or e-mail orders@select.org.uk
Please note that if you don’t have the above publications available on the morning of the course, you won’t be able to attend as they are referred to throughout the session.
Costs and booking
SELECT will be delivering this course from February 2025, with dates now available on our training calendar and a waiting list in operation.
The cost for SELECT Members is £280 + VAT (£336), which includes the assessments and SQA certificate on successful completion.
To book, please email training@select.org.uk or call the team on 0131 445 5577. We will add you to the waiting list and make contact when suitable dates are available
