The first set of candidates taking the new Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Apprenticeship Trailblazer have passed their end-point assessment.
This marks a milestone for the new apprenticeship standard, designed to replace the previous framework. The candidates took the final part of their apprenticeship at the Banham Academy in south London – the first end-point assessment centre of its kind delivering the FESS standard.
The standard was developed by an employer group with the support of the Fire and Security Association (FSA), part of the ECA; the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and other industry bodies as part of the Government’s Trailblazer initiative.
Former FSA Chair Pat Allen, pictured, who leads the employer group, said: “It has been a long but very worthwhile journey now that we have an apprenticeship written by employers to meet their requirements for the workforce of the future. This standard encompasses a high level of comprehensive training not seen before in the fire and security systems sector. It is great that the Banham Academy have embraced the vision and is fitting that they opened the first end point assessment centre.”
Steve Martin, Head of the FSA and Director of Technical at ECA, added: “Congratulations from the FSA to the first tranche of candidates to pass the new fire and security apprenticeship trailblazer. Prospective candidates looking to enrol this September will be ideally positioned to take full advantage of this exciting new apprenticeship. The qualification is guaranteed to equip technicians with the skills they need to design, install and maintain electronic systems to protect buildings against fires, break-ins and other emergencies.”
The FESS apprenticeship was launched in February 2017. Its focus, as with other industry sectors, was on employer-designed standards so that apprentices’ training and assessment meet actual business needs.
The FESS apprenticeship’s end-point assessment is developed by NET, an electrotechnical charity which supports learning and career progression. It is a test of knowledge, professional discussion and practical skills and understanding to Level 3.
