[ Focus: Fire and security ] Mike Tennent, managing director, Tavcom Training
Mike Tennent, managing director of leading training provider Tavcom Training, has provided professional training courses to the security systems and fire protection industries for almost 20 years. He believes these sectors continue to offer significant opportunities, not only to those entering the workforce for the first time, but also to others seeking a career change or a new and lucrative outlet for their existing technical skills. ‘Many workers in the UK and beyond
are currently threatened with cutbacks and redundancy, while also being told that they will have to add a few more years to the end of their working lives. It’s a devastating combination. Fortunately, for electricians and electrical contractors, the security and fire sectors are bucking that trend, and providing a bright ray of hope. Around the globe, the increasing deployment and integration of sophisticated electronic security
systems means that demand for trained and qualified installers, operators and managers is still growing strongly – but “trained” and “qualified” are the operative words. ‘Although, historically, specific qualifications have not always been required to work in many areas of the security systems field, the reality today is that the vast majority of employers and customers now wish to see demonstrable skills backed up by evidence of professional training and recognised certification. Tavcom was proud to pioneer the introduction of BTEC accreditation to our courses, and it is primarily these qualifications, along with those provided by City & Guilds, that have become the de facto entry requirements to our industry. ‘Fortunately, highly professional and
affordable training is now readily available, with successful students acquiring prestigious
BTEC Diplomas and, in many cases, the opportunity to apply for Professional Registration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). A BTEC Level 5 Diploma is now also available as a flexible online distance learning package, which is proving to be a very popular with those already working or serving in the Armed Forces. ‘Our message to employers facing skills
shortages is simple. Embrace the newly emerging apprentice schemes – as fresh, young talent is vital to the industry – but also consider and welcome the knowledge and experience of those a little further along their career paths. Such individuals can bring an additional array of technical and personal ‘real world’ skills to your workplace that, in all honesty, can only be acquired over time. ‘Old, wise, time-served “dogs” are starting to learn new tricks – take advantage of that!’
ECA training in fire and security systems
ECA Education and Training supports the need for high quality training and qualifications for operatives and companies in the electrotechnical industry, who are involved in, or who specialise in, fire and security systems. The association works with two of the industry’s leading organizations, Tavcom and the Fire Protection Association, to develop and provide access to training that meets the needs of the industry.
Tavcom training offer The ECA’s exclusive partnership agreement gives ECA and FSA members access to Tavcom’s industry-leading security systems training, at 10 per cent off the standard course rate. To find out more, log in and visit the Training Discounts page of the ECA website Business Support section. Alternatively, contact Tavcom directly, quoting
your ECA/FSA membership number, or visit the FPA website:
www.tavcom.com
FSA and FPA Fire Detection and Alarm systems programme ECA Education and Training also provides a comprehensive pathway programme of Fire Detection and Alarm systems training, developed jointly by the FSA and the Fire Protection Association (FPA). ECA and FSA members pay the FPA member rate. This suite of modular Fire Detection and
Alarms training courses and pathways gives individuals and firms the opportunity to tailor the training to their needs – be it design, installation, commissioning and/or servicing for any type of premises (i.e., simple or complex workplaces/dwellings) and for the relevant job role (i.e., supervised or senior).
In addition to individual training pathways, BTEC qualifications are available at Levels 2, 3 and 4. Each of the modules can be combined with a work-based assignment to achieve a BTEC award at Level 2, 3 or 4 in an individual discipline, or grouped together to achieve a full BTEC Level 3 Award for Simple Premises; or Level 4 Certificate for Complex Premises. Courses take place at the FPA’s dedicated
fire training venue in Moreton-in-Marsh and are externally accredited by Edexcel.
n To download the 2012 brochure and course dates calendar, visit the training pages of the ECA website
www.eca.co.uk/training, or visit the FPA website,
www.thefpa.co.uk
It is becoming increasingly important that individuals are able to back up their knowledge and experience with formal academic qualifications
56 ECA Today January 2012
SHUTTERSTOCK/SEVENCE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72