The BAFE has launched a survey that will help to assess the demand for fire and security apprenticeships in Wales, in particular the interest employers have for a specialist fire and security apprenticeship in the country.

Commenting on the survey, Lewis Ramsay, Caretaker Manager/Board Member – BAFE states: “BAFE fully support any developments in helping younger people enter the fire and security sector. It is crucial the right skills, knowledge, expertise, and behaviour is instilled from day one of working with life safety processes and systems. We encourage all BAFE registered organisations based in Wales to complete this survey to establish evidence of employer interest to develop this further.”

Pat Allen, Chair of the FESS Employer Group, added: “In recent years there have been several developments designed to raise competence and qualification levels in the Fire and Security Industries.

“In England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland these have included the introduction of specialist apprenticeships. Wales is therefore currently the only part of the UK without a specialist Fire and Security Apprenticeship.

“Recently, a group of employers and industry bodies, including ECA and FSA have had positive initial conversations with Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales about developing an equivalent specialist apprenticeship in Wales.

“For these discussions to progress further, however, we need to demonstrate a sufficient level of employer interest.”

The survey is available on the BAFE here.