Hochiki Europe has reaffirmed its dedication to lifelong training for fire engineers and apprentices with a significant contribution of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s newly launched training facility in Derby.

As England’s leading specialist training institution, Banham Academy provides the Level 3 Fire Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) apprenticeship to students nationwide. Graduates emerge from the Academy equipped with essential skills and certifications, propelling them into promising careers in the fire and security sectors.

Over a three-year period, apprentices spend 15 weeks at Banham Academy’s educational training center, taking part in a blend of coursework and practical training. After successful completion of the course, they are awarded qualifications that are critical for their future careers. Moreover, as Banham is the inaugural IET-approved center, employers benefit from a competitive advantage, as graduates are formally recognised and accredited by the IET as engineering technicians.

In their generous donation, Hochiki Europe has provided an array of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s new Derby training center. The array includes addressable panels, smoke and heat detectors, sounder bases and beacons, relay units, call points, and remote indicators.

“We are grateful to Hochiki Europe for their donation of life-saving equipment to our second training site in Derby,” said Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director, Banham Academy. “Banham Academy is reliant on donations from manufacturers within our industry to allow our apprentices to continue their training on industry-leading products that are trusted and are of the highest quality.

“Competency of installing, commissioning, and maintaining leading security and fire systems is an important part of the learning that we provide at the Academy. This vital hands-on learning allows our graduates to leave being proficient in handling lifesaving products and systems with the utmost of knowledge and care.”

The Derby establishment is Banham’s second Academy, enhancing their capability to offer their apprenticeships to an even larger number of young individuals across the UK from both their London and Derby locations. The new centre is not only larger but its strategic location also makes it more accessible to students in the North.

Nathan Hudson, Sales and Marketing Director at Hochiki Europe, expressed, “We were delighted to help Banham Academy because we know how important it is to encourage and support career development as well as helping the next generation of life safety engineers across the country.

“Compliance is crucial in our world, we design and manufacture products which are trusted to not only save lives and property, but also reduce false alarms, but this is only possible when the installation is compliant. Our aim with this donation is to enable Banham Academy to deliver hands on, compliant training using the latest life safety technology.”