'I was already a teacher, I had my NEBOSH Diploma and then decided to joined WSFRS as a firefighter where I still serve. Not only can I teach a variety of Fire courses, I also train my own BA and RTC instructors to be even better. I truly understand teaching careers in the fire sector managing the Education and Training Academy and being retained at my local station.'
Matthew Reynolds
'Transitioning from a firefighter to a fire safety instructor was driven by my passion to extend my service beyond the front lines. There's a unique fulfilment in moulding responsible, aware individuals who can make a difference in emergency situations. My experience as a firefighter brings authenticity to every class I teach, creating a ripple effect of safety and vigilance.'
Maria Bell
'Having spent over 15 years in the field of environmental health and safety, I always felt a strong sense of responsibility towards workplace safety and employee well-being. However, it wasn't until I volunteered to lead a fire safety training session at my company that I discovered my passion for teaching. Seeing the light of understanding in my colleagues' eyes as I demystified complex safety regulations was incredibly rewarding. That experience planted the seed for my future career change'
Lily Peacock
Relevant qualifications in health and safety, such as NEBOSH or IOSH certifications, are essential. If you are new or do not hold an official health and safety qualification then the Level 3 Award in Health and Safety would be a good start.Â
A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in the fire sector is required to ensure that instructors have practical knowledge to share.
As a bare minimum you will need the Level 3 Award in Education and Training AET). If you are also looking to assess in workplaces or to carry out on-site assessment then we also recommend combining it with the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Our teaching and assessing qualifications are recognised by Ofqual and will qualify you as a fire safety trainer nationally within the UK and abroad. These qualifications will also allow you to teach and assess in any other industry too.
As a fire safety trainer, your primary role is to educate and train individuals and groups on fire prevention, fire safety protocols, and emergency response techniques. This involves developing and delivering engaging training programs, conducting practical demonstrations, and evaluating trainee performance.
Practical experience in the health and safety field is crucial. Ideally, you should have several years of experience working in roles that have given you in-depth knowledge and understanding of health and safety practices and regulations.
Most learners come to us whilst actively serving as a firefighter but for those with the experience but without any formal health and safety qualifications can complete our 3-day Level 3 Award in Health and Safety which will get you up and running teaching around 10 Level 2 H&S qualifications.Â
The Level 3 Award in Health and Safety is a recognised qualification designed for individuals who wish to gain a deeper understanding of health and safety principles and practices in the workplace. This qualification is particularly beneficial if you are looking to enhance your knowledge in this area, whether for personal development, professional advancement, or as a stepping stone towards a career in health and safety. Here are some key aspects of the Level 3 Award in Health and Safety:
Course Content: The course covers a range of topics essential for understanding workplace health and safety. These may include understanding the principles of risk assessment, awareness of hazards and risk control, understanding the implications of health and safety legislation, and the importance of a health and safety management system.
Duration and Delivery: The duration of the course can take up to 3 days, but it is dependent upon your experience and knowledge. The course can be offered via self-study or virtual learning.
Assessment: Assessment methods for the Level 3 Award in Health and Safety typically involve a 60-question multiple choice exam which is taken online at your home.Â
To become a health and safety trainer, you typically need a Level 3 Award in Education and Training for basic training roles. For more advanced training or assessing roles, a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is recommended. Sector-specific qualifications like NEBOSH, IOSH, and others are also highly valuable.Â
No. Avoid any designated Instructor qualification or 'Train the Trainer' as they are not normally recognised anywhere. Our Health and Safety trainer courses are actually the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and / or the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement which are recognised qualifications throughout the UK and abroad.Â
Fire safety trainers work in a variety of settings, including fire departments, educational institutions, corporate environments, government agencies, and as independent consultants.
The duration to become a health and safety trainer can vary depending on your current qualifications and experience. Typically, completing a Level 3 Award in Education and Training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the mode of study (part-time, full-time, or intensive courses). Additional qualifications, like the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, may require additional time. However, the practical experience in health and safety is also a crucial factor, and the time to accumulate this experience can vary greatly from individual to individual. In summary, the path to becoming a fully qualified health and safety trainer can range from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on your starting point and the time you can dedicate to your training and professional development.
Yes, many fire trainers work as freelance trainers when off shift and work on a part-time or freelance basis, allowing them to balance training with other professional commitments. Our courses are designed to be flexible to accommodate working professionals.
Regularly participating in advanced training courses, attending fire safety seminars and workshops, and staying updated with the latest fire safety regulations and technologies are good practices.
Absolutely. With increasing awareness about workplace safety and the need for emergency preparedness, the demand for skilled fire safety trainers is on the rise.
With the Level 4 Award in Understanding Internal Quality Assurance - £999
Our group courses can be delivered in-house at your offices or at a suitable venue. Group training can often work out more cost effective if you have several members of staff you would like to be trained at any one time.Â