It is three years since BAFSA delivered its ‘Vision for the Future’ which led on to the successful development of a competency based qualification for fire sprinkler installers. The IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF) is a qualification aimed at individuals employed in the fire sprinkler industry and is intended for people employed in installing fire sprinklers to develop the knowledge and competences necessary to meet the industry standards for the installation role.
At The Manchester College, 13 new students have commenced their journey along a path to increased knowledge, greater skills and the L2 Sprinkler Installation Certificate.
We wish good luck to students and thank you to the BAFSA members spnsoring them:
Shaun Blanchflower, Tyco; Nicola Bowker and Jordan Kendal, JJ Sprinklers; Connor Burrows and Jordan Heap, Ad Sprinklers; Nathan Eckersley, Hall Fire Protection; Callum Harmer, Armstrong Priestley; Joshua Herrod and Connor Mackay, Hall & Kay Fire Engineering; Nathan Passmore, Vipond Fire; Sam Slack, UK Sprinklers.
The role call for this intake includes 2 non BAFSA members and we wish both Simon Hutler of Illingworth Fire and David Tudor of Plumbeco every success.
With 24 students enrolled in 2015 the first year of qualification delivery, 21 enrolled in 2016, this year, 2017, has seen 26 enrolments across the two colleges, The Manchester College and Neath Port Talbot Group College with further requests for courses to be delivered in other areas of the UK.
Expressing her delight, Ruth Oliver BAFSA’s Skills & Qualifications Adviser said “The hard work BAFSA and the Skills & Development Committee have undertaken over the last few years is showing results in a continuing demand for this qualification. However, we cannot rest as we must ensure the qualification is continually supported to remain fit for purpose and available to the industry”
Whilst enrolments for the qualification were initially received only from BAFSA companies, the 2017 courses have seen three non BAFSA companies enrolling employees, with one being a sub-contractor within the industry.
“To see non BAFSA members enrolling on the qualification is a much welcome added bonus as it means that, in terms of the qualification, the word is spreading and that can only be positive for BAFSA and the industry as a whole” Ruth added.
In total, over the three years, 21 companies have enrolled employees and whilst the industry is male dominated the course has welcomed two female students during 2016 with a further enrolment this month. Enrolments have been received from those with little experience to those who have considerable experience and with the youngest student being 17 the qualification has no upper age limit. The course was design to provide the skills and knowledge required to work in the sector irrespective of age.