ONE OF the first fire engineering apprenticeship students in the UK was chosen to update the Government on the course and his journey so far.
David Cooper, based at Northfield Fire Station, spoke during a virtual call with the UK Minister for Building Safety and Fire Stephen Greenhalgh.
The UK decided to recruit more fire engineering apprentices in the wake of Grenfell and cladding recommendations.
David said: ‘It has been a brilliant journey for me so far – and to speak with the Minister early in the course was a great experience.
“We’re grateful he gave his time to find out more about our work and to share encouragement.
“As with any challenge, I’d say to anyone considering this apprenticeship to grasp the opportunity with both hands.”
The new fire engineering degree apprenticeship is growing its student and employer base to meet national demand for fire engineers and in line with new Government legislation.
David is undertaking a part-time Higher-Level Degree Apprenticeship in Fire Engineering which is offered by Birmingham City University and has been developed in partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council and the UK’s commercial fire engineering industrial sector.
It was set up in response to new Government legislation and recommendations and requirements for a workforce to address the shortfall.
The public inquiry and the investigations into the dreadful loss of life at Grenfell in 2017 identified a massive competency gap.
It gave an opportunity for people to acquire new skills in fire engineering across the UK, with the Government currently progressing a new Fire Safety Bill and Building Safety Bill through Parliament.
The degree course is ideally suited to those currently working in the Fire and Rescue Service and in Fire Engineering consultancies.
It works to a national standard and employers can use the Apprentice Levy Fund to pay for the course, with students combining full-time employment with four years of part time study to achieve a formal qualification.
Area Commander Steve Ball, of West Midlands Fire Service, said he was proud to be partnering with Birmingham City University for the apprenticeship degree scheme.
“West Midlands Fire Service is committed to reducing risk across our communities, and this includes a focus on the built environment.
“We wish Firefighter Cooper and his fellow students every success on their fire engineering journeys.”
Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor of Manufacturing and Construction at Birmingham City University, said with a need to close the competence gap, the Fire Engineering Degree Apprenticeship would allow new entrants and experienced professionals to develop their skills.
He added the majority of the first intake were mature students who could draw on in-depth experience and learnt through the course to become more rounded and qualified professionals.
Applications are now open for Birmingham City University’s January 2023 intake of Fire Engineering Apprenticeship Degree students.
It is heavily investing in building the team and new lab facilities and partnering with other organisations to enrich the learning experience.
It is also developing opportunities for Masters and PhD students.
