Fire and Security

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualifications
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the two Level 3 Pathways:

• Fire detection and alarm systems – 51 credits
• Security Systems (Intruder, CCTV and Access Control) – 59 credits

Entry requirements

This Apprenticeship is suitable for learners who:

• are aged 16+ currently working in the trade area
• have passed all relevant sector specific entry assessments (where appropriate)
• may have achieved one or more of the following (or recognised equivalent):
  • Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment qualification at Level 2
  • Progression in Building Services Engineering qualification at Level 2
  • Welsh Baccalaureate National Diploma
  • GCSE grade A-C in each of the following:- a communication subject, maths and either a science or technical-based subject (e.g. Design & Technology, Electronics etc)
  • GCSE grade A*-C in WJEC GCSE Built Environment
  • Level 2 'Access to Building Services Engineering' qualification

No individual should be refused access to an initial assessment on the basis of educational qualifications alone.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3: Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems

Level 3: Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems Qualifications

This Pathway has 2 routes:

• Fire detection and alarm systems where the apprentice will be required to:
o Understand: the relationship of fire detection and alarms to the fire industry; the principles and features of design criteria and related technical information; the methods of surveying new and existing systems; planning and project management for system installation, commissioning and handover; preventative and corrective maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, emergency systems and components
o Apply and implement system planning, installation, testing, commissioning and handover. Carry out preventative and corrective maintenance, diagnosis and repair faults, of fire detection and alarm and other emergency systems and components.
• Security Systems (Intruder, CCTV and Access Control) where the apprentice will be required to:
o Understand: the requirement and implementation of security risk assessments; the principles, functions and operation for design criteria; planning and project management for system installation, commissioning and handover; preventative and corrective maintenance of Intruder and hold up alarms, Access Control, video surveillance (CCTV) and other electronic security systems and components.
o Apply and implement system, planning, installation, testing, commissioning and handover. Carry out preventative and corrective maintenance, diagnosis and repair faults, of Intruder and holdup alarms, Access Control, video surveillance (CCTV) and other electronic security systems and components.

Please see Annex 1 and Annex 2 for the relationship between the combined and knowledge units within the qualifications to determine the Fire or Security route.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh.

Note that evidence for Essential Skills can/should be gathered holistically and from other activities so as not to remove learning time from the main trade areas.

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

These hours may be different for experienced/older workers depending on their industry experience. The hours cover learning and development undertaken in a range of settings, including in the workplace when under the direction of a relevant trainer, e.g. workplace mentor. Centres and employers should  work closely together in determining what proportion of the training will take place within centres and in workplace settings.

Other additional requirements

Note that Apprentices following the Fire Pathway may wish to undertake the following Units from the Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems as career development:

• PEFS3/015: Understand and apply design and installation practices and procedures for CCTV security systems
• PEFS3/018: Understand and apply design and installation practices and procedures for access control security systems

Job roles

This Framework specifies the standards and criteria for the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems. Successful achievement of all the components of this Framework will lead to the award of a Level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified Technician within the sector.

Fire and Security Systems Technicians install, commission and maintain electronic systems in and outside simple and complex premises to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger.

Systems include those to detect intrusion, provide surveillance, monitor and control access to buildings, properties and sites or to detect fire and emergencies.

Electrical safety is an important area of Technician work. On completion of their work the electrical systems must be safe to use. They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others.

Skills include interconnection of equipment, programming, verifying performance/fault finding and testing and maintaining. Technicians will carry out planned jobs to install new systems, modify and maintain existing systems as well as respond to call-outs to repair faulty systems where they will utilise their problem solving skills.

They will take a professional approach to customer service skills which include being presentable, tidy and respectful as they can often find themselves working in and outside customers’ homes as well as in and outside business premises.

It is important for Fire and Security Systems Technicians to be able to work independently or as part of a team and use their knowledge and skills to ensure systems have been appropriately selected and installed and maintained to professional industry standards, often without any supervision, and done so in a safe, efficient and economical manner to minimise waste.

This Apprenticeship is designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed when Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems in commercial, industrial and residential buildings including all relevant:

• Technological requirements and changes
• Statutory and Non- Statutory Regulations & Requirements
• Working practices in accordance with Health and Safety requirements
• Inspection, testing and commissioning procedures

On completion of the requirements in this Framework the Apprentice should, as a minimum, have the core skills and core knowledge required to carry out the following in a safe and competent manner:

• Reducing the risks to health and safety at work
• Communicating effectively with others
• Preparing and installing cabling for electronic systems
• Installing electronic equipment and systems
• Testing, commissioning and handover of systems
• Rectifying faults on electronic equipment and systems
• Maintaining electronic equipment and systems

In addition, the Apprentice should also be able to:

• Apply professional judgement and support 
• Challenge unsafe behaviours/activities
• Demonstrate innovation through the identification of areas for improvement and suggestion and/or development of innovative solutions
• Identify and manage risks to self and others
• Keep work area clean and tidy
• Manage own time effectively
• Think logically and accordance with the demands of the situation using clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
• Work effectively individually and in a team
• Work in accordance with quality requirements
• Work productively
• Work safely and ensure the safety of others
• Work within own level of competence and know when to seek advice from others

Throughout the Apprenticeship process the Apprentice should, as a minimum, develop and display the behaviours that show them to be consistently:

Progression

The aim of this Framework is to ensure that the successful learners gain:

• The Skills and Knowledge required by the industry to achieve competence
• Job related skills that will be used in the working environment
• Knowledge and skills aligned to working practices, relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations
• Transferable and Core Skills
• The basis for career progression

When apprentices have completed this Framework, they have a number of progression options to them including:

• Vocational: develop self in the role and seek promotion 
• Academic: use the qualifications gained as the basis for further study and entry to Further or Higher Education as appropriate

More specifically, on successful completion of this Apprenticeship in Fire and Security Systems Installation an apprentice will be furnished with the skills and knowledge, and have the qualifications to:

• Apply for the  FESS Technician Gold card via ECS at https://www.ecscard.org.uk/
• Apply for registration with the Engineering Council at Engineering Technician (EngTech) level
• Progress to relevant Level 4/5 qualifications e.g. Building Services Engineering Technology & Project Management or Foundation Degree in Engineering
• Progress in their career with further training into such job roles as Technician, Designer, Estimator, Project Manager, Site/Workshop Supervisor/ Manager, Chartered Engineer, Sales Engineer or Commercial Manager.

Further career guidance can be found at:

• https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/
• https://www.eca.co.uk/
• https://www.the-esp.org.uk/

It is anticipated that successful candidates will progress within the Fire and Security Industry or the larger Electrotechnical industry in qualified positions such as employed or self-employed, supervisors, managers.

Continuous learning will be expected of the qualified candidates in order to maintain awareness of the regulations impacting on the industry and technological changes/advances.

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnerships are also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of these pathways are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

Further information may be obtained from:

Welsh Government. See DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

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