NEBOSH refreshes UK construction safety qualification for 2025

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetySafetyTraining

Overview of the updated qualification

NEBOSH has reported that its Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification has been revised for 2025 to address key industry risks.

The qualification is offered in UK and International variants, with the UK version aligned to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

The update incorporates feedback from learners and industry experts to improve safety training.

Construction industry risks in Great Britain

NEBOSH stated that in 2023/24, 51 fatalities occurred in Great Britain’s construction industry.

This figure represents 37% of all work-related deaths in the country that year.

The organisation noted that the qualification aims to reduce such risks through targeted training.

Key features of the revised syllabus

The company explained that the updated syllabus includes topics like fatigue and inspectors’ powers.

Learners will gain skills to identify hazards, develop safe work systems, and manage contractors.

NEBOSH added that the course supports a positive safety culture in construction workplaces.

Learner feedback and qualification impact

A 2024 NEBOSH survey found that 96% of UK learners would recommend the qualification.

Michael Smith, Response Supervisor at South Holland District Council, said: “I found the whole course extremely interesting; the study and work-based scenarios were good and worthwhile.”

Michael Smith added: “Having gained the qualification, I am now in a position where I feel that I can make a positive impact within the workplace.”

NEBOSH refreshes UK construction safety qualification for 2025: Summary

NEBOSH updated its Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification for 2025.

The qualification is available in UK and International variants.

The UK version aligns with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

In 2023/24, 51 fatalities occurred in Great Britain’s construction industry.

This accounted for 37% of all work-related deaths in the country.

The revised syllabus includes topics like fatigue and inspectors’ powers.

A 2024 survey showed 96% of UK learners would recommend the qualification.

The qualification is recognised by CSCS for the Academically Qualified Person card.

Learners gain skills to identify hazards and manage contractors.

The course aims to improve safety culture in construction workplaces.

FPA expands accredited training with Level 3 fire safety qualification

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafetyTraining

New train-the-trainer qualification developed for UK fire safety professionals

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced the launch of a new Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety Training, accredited by the Awarding Body for Building Education (ABBE).

According to the FPA, the course is designed to meet rising demand for accredited training and to support organisations aiming to improve workforce competency in fire safety.

The qualification is structured as a train-the-trainer programme and includes a four-day in-person attendance requirement, followed by eight weeks of additional learning and assessment.

The course delivers 13 Level 3 credits and comprises seven mandatory units, covering educational methods and core fire safety knowledge, including safe use of portable firefighting equipment.

FPA outlines course content and delivery structure

The Fire Protection Association stated that the qualification equips learners to deliver fire safety and fire warden training tailored to specific workplaces.

It explained that the seven required units include: ‘Roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training’; ‘Using inclusive teaching and learning approaches’; ‘Facilitating learning and development’; ‘Understanding assessment’; ‘Principles and practice of assessment’; ‘Fire safety principles’; and ‘Using portable firefighting equipment safely’.

The FPA said the qualification involves a total learning time of 130 hours and is designed for those wishing to gain a formal training role in fire safety.

Range of FPA fire safety qualifications available

In addition to the new certificate, the Fire Protection Association provides a series of fire safety qualifications categorised by level and total qualification time.

The FPA explained that an Award consists of up to 120 hours, a Certificate ranges from 121 to 369 hours, and a Diploma exceeds 370 hours.

All qualifications are awarded by organisations regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), it added.

The organisation confirmed that current offerings include the Level 3 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, both of which support compliance with fire safety legislation in the UK, as well as Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Passive Fire Protection and Fire Door Inspection.

Statement from FPA Head of Training

FPA Head of Training, Kelly Donoghue, said: “The launch of our new Level 3 Fire Safety Training qualification marks an important milestone in supporting the competency agenda for organisations as it is designed to meet employers’ needs whilst providing industry professionals with key knowledge and understanding.”

Kelly Donoghue added: “Along with our Training Delivery Team, I am excited to welcome learners onto this qualification which has been developed because of the high demand for our Train the Trainer course to become an OFQUAL registered qualification.”

FPA expands accredited training with Level 3 fire safety qualification: Summary

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has launched a new Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety Training.

The qualification is accredited by the Awarding Body for Building Education (ABBE).

It is designed as a train-the-trainer course to meet demand for fire safety training qualifications.

The course includes 130 hours of total qualification time, with a four-day attendance requirement and eight weeks for additional assessment.

Seven units are mandatory, covering both educational practice and fire safety knowledge.

The qualification awards 13 Level 3 credits.

The FPA also offers other qualifications ranging from Awards to Diplomas.

These qualifications are regulated by Ofqual through awarding organisations.

They include certificates and diplomas in fire risk assessment.

The FPA offers passive fire protection and fire door inspection qualifications.

FPA Head of Training Kelly Donoghue said the new qualification meets employer and professional needs.

The course has been developed following high demand for an accredited Train the Trainer option.

Fire prevention training in Ha Giang reaches thousands: Vietnam expands public safety education

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

Training sessions boost fire prevention skills across Vietnam

Vietnam News has reported that the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department in Ha Giang province has organised more than 220 fire prevention and rescue training events so far in 2025.

The department said the activities were part of a wider effort to improve community safety following recent fires and explosions that caused damage to lives and property.

The training focused on identifying fire hazards, using firefighting equipment, and practising safe evacuation procedures.

High-risk groups receive targeted instruction

The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police stated that the training was directed at business owners, public agency staff, and students.

It explained that participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

These included extinguishing gas cylinder fires, operating fire hoses, and escaping through simulated toxic gas environments.

In one session held during the first quarter of 2025, more than 800 participants from Ha Giang City took part in live drills.

Participants describe improved preparedness

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a resident of Nguyen Trai neighbourhood, said: “I never thought I would have to deal with a fire before, but after receiving instructions on how to handle a gas tank leak and how to use a fire extinguisher, I feel much more confident.

“I think training like this is truly necessary for everyone.”

Nong Quoc Khanh, a student at Thai Nguyen University in Ha Giang, said: “I find the propaganda, experience, and practice of fire prevention, extinguishing, and rescue very effective.

“These training sessions help me and my classmates acquire more skills in handling fire and explosion situations, escaping in the event of an incident, and proficiently using firefighting equipment on site.

“More importantly, I understand the need for fire prevention from the beginning and will strictly follow fire prevention regulations in schools, public places, and residential areas.”

Ongoing efforts address regional safety challenges

According to the department, the current dry weather has made fire prevention more difficult, especially in forested and mountainous areas.

It stated that remote locations and limited infrastructure remain obstacles to effective emergency response.

In response, the department said it plans to expand the training programmes further and focus efforts on isolated communities.

It added that future activities will combine theory with practical exercises and involve both full-time and part-time staff in outreach efforts.

The department concluded that the goal is to strengthen public understanding of fire risks and improve response capabilities throughout the region.

Fire prevention training in Ha Giang reaches thousands: Summary

Vietnam News has reported that more than 220 fire prevention and rescue training sessions were held in Ha Giang province in 2025.

The training was conducted by the Provincial Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department.

Close to 30,000 people participated in the activities.

Sessions included fire hazard identification, equipment use, and evacuation procedures.

High-risk groups such as business households and students were prioritised.

Over 800 people in Ha Giang City attended a single session in the first quarter of 2025.

Participants practised extinguishing fires, escaping from simulated environments, and handling gas leaks.

Nguyen Thi Hoa and Nong Quoc Khanh gave positive feedback about the training experience.

The department cited weather conditions and infrastructure gaps as ongoing challenges.

It stated that training programmes will continue to expand into remote and mountainous areas.

Staff will be trained to lead outreach and practical exercises.

The department aims to raise fire safety awareness and improve local emergency readiness.

Siemens introduces new fire safety training wall in Manchester

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSafetyTraining

Siemens expands hands-on training for fire safety engineers in the UK

Siemens has introduced a practical ‘training wall’ at its Manchester facility as part of ongoing investment in its partner training programme.

According to Siemens, the installation is designed to give engineers hands-on experience with its fire safety and building management systems.

The company said the wall includes Cerberus PRO and Cerberus FIT panels, FDA241 and FDA262 aspirating smoke detectors, sounders, two fire dampers with Siemens actuators, a PXC4 automation station, a Connect Box IoT unit and a Desigo optic embedded device.

Siemens confirmed that these components are connected to demonstrate how the systems integrate with each other and the wider Siemens Building X digital platform.

Siemens trainer highlights need for practical learning

Siemens Fire Product Trainer Justin Leeks, who was appointed in 2023, said the new setup was created to support deeper learning through experience.

Leeks said: “Theory is important but it only goes so far.

“I have been a fire systems engineer myself so understand how getting your hands dirty by being ‘under the hood’ and seeing how these systems operate is the best way of learning.

“This knowledge can then be taken into the field by engineers who understand the specifics of the systems and how to best manage installation, commissioning and maintenance.”

Leeks added: “One of the benefits of the systems is that a lot of the work can be done in advance, pre-configuring a whole site and thereby offering significant savings in on-site installation and commissioning time.

“I’d like to thank Advanced Air and Detector Testers for supplying some of the equipment for the wall – it’s great to see that other companies also recognise the value of training the next generation.”

Training format combines e-learning and in-person instruction

Siemens explained that the training is delivered using a two-part structure.

The company stated that the programme begins with e-learning to cover basic principles, followed by face-to-face sessions for more in-depth technical content.

It noted that the wall was designed with a modular approach so that it can be updated as new products are introduced to the Siemens portfolio.

According to Siemens, this aligns with its wider product strategy of supporting ongoing integration and flexibility.

UK leadership highlights industry relevance

Rob Yates, Siemens Head of Building Products Fire Safety in the UK and Ireland, said the training programme is part of the company’s response to the sector’s personnel needs.

Yates said: “Effective training programmes are vital to the future of the fire safety industry.

“Much is spoken of the skills shortage which demonstrates all too clearly why it is more important than ever that we invest in the training of those that do choose to go into fire safety engineering.

“Hopefully, in doing so, not only do we develop their skills but we also potentially encourage others to consider it as a career option.”

Siemens introduces new fire safety training wall in Manchester: Summary

Siemens has added a practical ‘training wall’ to its Manchester training centre.

The company said the wall includes connected fire safety and building systems hardware.

The equipment features Cerberus PRO and FIT panels, ASD range detectors, and BMS devices.

Siemens stated that the wall supports its Building X platform integration approach.

Justin Leeks, Siemens Fire Product Trainer, emphasised the value of hands-on experience.

Leeks said real-world interaction enhances engineers’ understanding of installation and maintenance.

He credited external suppliers for supporting the setup with additional equipment.

Training combines online foundational content with classroom-based technical sessions.

The modular wall design allows Siemens to update the wall as new products are developed.

Rob Yates, Siemens UK and Ireland Head of Fire Safety, commented on the sector’s skills gap.

Yates said the training investment supports both competence and industry engagement.

Argon launches configurable multi-gas training simulator for hazardous environment scenarios

by Featured NewsProductsTraining

Argon introduces Generic MultiGAS-SIM training tool

Argon has launched the Generic MultiGAS-SIM, a customisable multi-gas training simulator designed to support realistic hazardous materials training scenarios.

The simulator allows instructors to select the number and type of simulated sensors and design a user interface that resembles operational equipment.

The simulator is intended for use by firefighters, technical rescue teams, HazMat responders and industrial workers operating in confined or hazardous environments.

Simulator supports multiple gas types and operational configurations

The Generic MultiGAS-SIM can replicate the behaviour of up to six different simulated sensors, including oxygen (O2) and lower explosive limit (LEL) sensors.

Activation thresholds can be set according to local training standards.

Argon reported that the system is compatible with its existing simulation technology and is designed to integrate into existing training programmes.

Integrated with Argon’s vapour and wide-area simulation tools

The simulator operates in conjunction with Argon’s Long Range Vapour Source (LRVS) emitters, which can be detected at distances up to 30 metres.

These sources can be used indoors or outdoors and programmed to simulate a range of hazardous substances and scenarios, including oxygen depletion.

The system is also compatible with Argon’s PlumeSIM wide-area training platform, allowing it to be used alongside chemical warfare agent and toxic industrial chemical simulation tools.

Company states global applicability and positive feedback

Argon’s founder and Managing Director, Steven Pike, said: “Our engineering team have created a superb training asset which will benefit many thousands of responders and industrial facilities worldwide to help ensure they understand the critical procedures associated with readings that can be obtained when operating within a hazardous environment.

“Customer response to the effectiveness and ease of use of the simulator has been extremely encouraging and we look forward to great success with MultiGAS-SIM”.

According to Argon, the system provides practical training for complex operational environments without environmental impact or the use of live agents.

The simulator is intended to support safety-focused education by enabling hands-on instruction under controlled conditions.

Customisable multi-gas simulator enhances hazardous materials training: Summary

Argon has launched the Generic MultiGAS-SIM, a configurable simulator for hazardous materials training.

It supports up to six types of simulated sensors and can be adapted to match local operational equipment.

The system integrates with Argon’s Long Range Vapour Source emitters and the PlumeSIM platform.

It is intended for use by HazMat teams, firefighters and industrial personnel.

Detection signals from emitters are effective up to 30 metres.

Scenarios including oxygen depletion can be simulated for realistic training.

Argon stated that the simulator is designed for practical, hands-on training that reflects real operational conditions.

Argon Managing Director Steven Pike described the customer feedback as encouraging.

The simulator is part of Argon’s suite of CBRN and HazMat training technologies.

NFCC Career Pathways provides guidance for UK fire service careers

by Breaking NewsPeopleTraining

NFCC introduces new tool to support fire and rescue service careers

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has announced the launch of NFCC Career Pathways, a new resource designed to help individuals understand and access careers in the United Kingdom’s fire and rescue service.

According to the NFCC, the platform aims to provide clarity about the variety of roles available in the sector, from operational to support functions.

It is designed to benefit those looking to start their careers, change direction, or develop their current roles.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The NFCC Career Pathways are about giving our people real clarity and making sure everyone can see the opportunities open to them, whether that’s progressing within their current role or transforming their career by moving into a completely new area of their service.”

Resource designed for current and prospective fire service employees

The Career Pathways initiative provides role-specific information and tools tailored for individuals at different stages of their careers.

This includes information for newcomers, personal development planning tools, and leadership development resources.

According to the NFCC, the structure recognises that career development is not always linear. It promotes lateral movement and upskilling, encouraging users to explore options based on their own interests and abilities.

The tool also directs users to their local fire and rescue service for the most relevant and accurate information about employment opportunities.

Leadership and sector-wide input shaped the project

NFCC said the Career Pathways pages were developed in collaboration with fire and rescue professionals across the UK and with input from external stakeholders unfamiliar with the sector.

Wayne Bowcock, NFCC Leadership Development Strategic Lead and Chief Fire Officer for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This work has been shaped by colleagues from across the sector, and with the advice of external stakeholders with limited or no experience of the Fire and Rescue Sector.”

He added: “It reflects a shared commitment to making career development more transparent, accessible, and inclusive.”

Online platform showcases real-life career journeys

The online resource includes first-hand accounts from individuals working in various parts of the UK fire and rescue service. These career journeys aim to give insight into progression opportunities and the variety of roles within the sector.

NFCC stated that the inclusion of real-life stories reflects the organisation’s emphasis on representation and diversity.

The stories demonstrate how people from different backgrounds have contributed to the sector in different ways.

The NFCC said the platform will evolve in response to sector needs and is intended to serve both new recruits and existing staff.

NFCC Career Pathways provides guidance for UK fire service careers: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched NFCC Career Pathways, a resource designed to provide information about careers in the United Kingdom’s fire and rescue service.

The platform includes tools and guidance for both new recruits and current employees. It covers entry-level roles, departmental overviews, personal development planning, and leadership development.

It also features personal career stories to highlight the diversity of roles and individuals in the service.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said the resource aims to bring clarity and flexibility to career planning.

Wayne Bowcock of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the project reflects a shared commitment to improving transparency and accessibility in career development.

The resource has been developed with sector-wide input and directs users to their local fire and rescue service for job-related information.

The platform is designed to evolve based on the needs of the sector.

ICCROM announces Europe-wide READY course for cultural heritage protection

by Featured NewsHeritageTraining

Training programme focuses on protecting heritage in times of crisis

ICCROM has announced the launch of the first track of its READY project, a year-long training course on protecting heritage during disasters and emergencies.

According to ICCROM, the programme will begin in May 2025 and run until February 2026.

It aims to support professionals who work with cultural heritage, including those involved in disaster response, civil protection, and climate adaptation.

The initiative is supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and involves several technical partners across Europe.

The training will focus on collections, living traditions, and practices that are at risk due to extreme weather, climate change, and armed conflicts.

Programme to combine online and in-person sessions

ICCROM stated that the READY training is divided into four parts.

The first phase will consist of four weeks of online orientation sessions, running from late May to late June 2025.

This will be followed by a 15-day in-person training course starting after 15 July 2025 in Riga, Latvia.

Participants will then return to their home countries for the third phase, implementing field projects between August 2025 and February 2026.

The final phase will include an international online meeting to present the outcomes of these projects.

Applicants from Creative Europe countries invited to apply

The course is open to professionals from European and non-European countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.

ICCROM said the programme is aimed at people working in museums, libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions, as well as community leaders and emergency response professionals.

Applications must be submitted online before 20 April 2025.

Participants will carry out field projects in their own regions

During the third phase of the course, participants will design and carry out practical projects to enhance heritage management in their own countries.

These projects are intended to apply the knowledge and methods taught during the earlier parts of the course.

ICCROM described the training as a way to improve both local and regional preparedness for emergencies affecting cultural heritage.

ICCROM announces Europe-wide READY course for cultural heritage protection: Summary

ICCROM has launched the first training track of its READY project on protecting cultural heritage during disasters and crises.

The course runs from May 2025 to February 2026 and includes online and in-person learning phases.

It is supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.

The course will begin with online sessions in late May 2025, followed by a 15-day in-person workshop in Riga, Latvia.

From August 2025 to February 2026, participants will implement field projects in their home countries.

The programme concludes with an online international meeting.

The initiative is open to applicants from countries involved in the Creative Europe programme.

Professionals working in cultural institutions, as well as those in disaster response and climate adaptation roles, are eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted before 20 April 2025.

NFPA expands DER training for fire departments across the United States

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsTraining

New field training launched for distributed energy resource safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the launch of the second phase of its Distributed Energy Resources Safety Training (DERST) initiative.

According to NFPA, this phase introduces field familiarisation training for firefighters dealing with distributed energy resources (DER), including battery energy storage systems and solar farms.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Vector Solutions and the US Department of Energy, with coordination from the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD).

The new content builds on an earlier training series that focused on classroom-based instruction and interactive simulations of battery and electric vehicle fire scenarios.

Training supports on-site response to DER incidents

The second phase provides a practical component to supplement previous theoretical modules.

The training includes field exercises designed to help fire departments apply previously learned concepts during walkthroughs at target hazard locations.

Installations covered include lithium-ion battery sites, solar panel farms, energy storage facilities and electric vehicle storage areas.

Andrew Klock, senior manager of education and development at NFPA, said: “As more distributed energy resources are deployed nationwide, the fire service needs to be properly prepared to respond to them safely and effectively.”

Interactive online tools included in new materials

To assist with the new training, an online guide offers an interactive experience to help sharpen logistical and reasoning skills in live response environments.

The platform provides access to scenario training and verbal field exercises, which are designed for use during on-scene familiarisation drills.

Klock added: “Drawing on their knowledge obtained from prerequisite online and classroom training and simulation exercises, firefighters can now face virtual hazard scenarios as a team on their smart devices, while performing a field familiarization evolution of a DER facility.”

Training access and tracking provided through dedicated portal

Vector Solutions has released a DER Custom Activity through its TargetSolutions training management system.

This allows for the assignment, tracking and reporting of DER training by participating departments using the platform.

NFPA confirmed that access to the training materials is available at no cost to members of the fire and responder community through the NAFTD.

The training can be accessed via the official programme website at www.DERSTFG.org.

NFPA expands DER training for fire departments across the United States: Summary

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in partnership with Vector Solutions and the US Department of Energy, has launched a new phase of its Distributed Energy Resources Safety Training (DERST).

The training is coordinated with the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) and introduces field-based exercises focused on distributed energy resources (DER).

These exercises support fire departments in responding to incidents involving installations such as battery storage systems, solar farms and electric vehicle storage areas.

The programme includes an online interactive guide designed to support verbal field exercises and scenario-based learning.

Access to the training is free for the fire and responder community and available via the NAFTD website.

Vector Solutions has also developed a DER Custom Activity on its TargetSolutions platform to facilitate assignment and progress tracking.

Fire training school in Maestrazgo region awaits action on 2021 funding proposal

by Featured NewsTraining

Proposal for Maestrazgo fire training school reintroduced by Socialist Parliamentary Group

The Socialist Parliamentary Group in the Cortes of Aragon has submitted a non-legislative motion calling on the Government of Aragon to resume work on a proposed fire prevention and civil protection training school in La Iglesuela del Cid, located in the Maestrazgo region.

As reported by La Comarca, the group has also announced plans to raise a question about the project’s current status with Minister Bermúdez de Castro during the next plenary session.

The project was included in the 2021 Teruel Investment Fund (FITE) with an allocation of €125,000.

The original proposal was put forward by La Iglesuela del Cid Town Hall, which claims to have received no response from the Government of Aragon about the state of the project.

The funds were expected to be spent between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024.

Local officials express concern over project delays

Mayor of La Iglesuela del Cid Fernando Safont stated that the Town Hall attempted to follow up on the project in 2023 due to lack of progress.

Safont said: “They haven’t answered us. We requested a meeting with the Minister of the Presidency and we still haven’t heard from them.”

Safont said that the municipality submitted a grant request in July 2021 and was later visited by representatives of the Government of Aragon to assess the proposed site.

He added: “Everything seemed fine to them.”

He also noted: “The FITE is intended to generate development and achieve social cohesion, growth and social well-being for the inhabitants of the area.

“El Maestrazgo is the most sparsely populated region in the province of Teruel, and the training school would be, among the many things that can be achieved here, a turning point.”

Regional leaders seek revival in future funding cycles

The president of the Maestrazgo region also criticised delays and the lack of implementation of funds that had been committed to the area.

He said that if the fire training school had been built, it could have helped counteract the effects of the closure of the Marie Claire branch in Vilafranca.

He called for the initiative to be included in future FITE calls.

The Socialist group said the project had been reviewed and approved by the Aragonese Executive’s Audit Service and met the criteria of a “tractor” project.

The group also highlighted that in December 2023, the current Government of Aragon reaffirmed the project’s place in the 2021 FITE framework during discussions with the Government of Spain.

Project intended to support fire and civil protection training in rural Aragon

The training school proposal aims to improve practical training opportunities for emergency response services and citizens in fire prevention and civil protection, with an emphasis on forest fire management.

Member of Parliament Ángel Peralta stated: “To meet this training need, we need to work in territorial areas with physical characteristics suitable for the activities covered by the Catalogue of Civil Protection Regulations.

“And La Iglesuela del Cid and the Maestrazgo meet these requirements.”

The facility would be equipped to support forest fire simulation exercises and forest management training.

It would use nearby public forests for practical activities due to their location, accessibility and terrain.

Peralta said: “The public forests of La Iglesuela del Cid are not only located very close to the town centre, which facilitates the transport of materials and personnel to burning areas or other practical exercises, but they also boast a diverse network of forest trails, plant formations and optimal topography for practical training in sustainable forest management.”

The FITE funds are intended for adapting a building for theoretical and practical training purposes.

Fire training school in Maestrazgo region awaits action on 2021 funding proposal: Summary

The Socialist Parliamentary Group in Aragon has submitted a motion to restart a stalled fire prevention and civil protection training school project in La Iglesuela del Cid.

The initiative was allocated €125,000 through the 2021 Teruel Investment Fund.

Local authorities report no progress or government communication since the grant’s approval.

The mayor and regional president have requested its reinstatement in future FITE calls.

The proposed school would provide training in emergency response and forest fire prevention, using local public forests for practical sessions.

The Government of Aragon approved the project again in December 2023, but implementation remains pending.

The facility is intended to serve as a regional centre for fire prevention and civil protection training.

BESA launches programme to address shortage of trainers and assessors in UK building services

by Featured NewsTraining

Building services industry faces shortage of trainers and assessors

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a new initiative to address what it describes as a critical shortage of trainers and assessors in the building services industry.

BESA reported that the lack of qualified trainers is hindering the further education (FE) system’s ability to deliver skilled professionals into the workforce.

The Association warned that without intervention, the industry would struggle to fill skills gaps and meet service demands by the end of the decade.

The ‘BESA Skills Legacy’ programme seeks to enlist experienced industry professionals to support colleges and training providers in delivering essential courses.

BESA stated that the initiative aims to reassure education providers that there will be sufficient training capacity, enabling them to invest in necessary resources.

Programme aims to build capacity in further education sector

BESA said that the limited availability of qualified professionals to run apprenticeship schemes has led to the sector being classified as high risk by the FE sector.

This has resulted in a nationwide shortage of training opportunities.

Stuart Rattray, BESA’s head of skills and policy, said: “Our workforce is ageing and is already under intense pressure.

“The average age across construction-related sectors is 53, so without a dramatic increase in the number of young people coming in, a labour force crunch is looming.”

He added that simply increasing recruitment would not be enough to resolve the issue: “Unless we address the shortage of trainers and assessors who can deliver programmes, the industry will be unable to meet demand within a few short years.”

Recruitment drive launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2025

The Skills Legacy initiative was launched to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (#NAW25).

The scheme is bringing together employers, represented by BESA, and the FE sector to establish a pathway for skilled professionals to become qualified trainers or assessors.

BESA explained that individuals must be qualified to the level they assess and will be responsible for training within their technical discipline.

The Association has set up a national network of FE providers to deliver the Training, Assessor, and Quality Assurance (TAQA) Level 3 programme across the UK.

Rattray said: “Being a qualified assessor isn’t just about working in a local FE college.

“Businesses can also benefit from having trades assessors in-house for a variety of assessment requirements.

“End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) and private training providers are always looking for qualified assessors and quality assurance personnel.”

Pathway for new trainers and assessors outlined

BESA is working with education providers and employers to recruit candidates for the programme.

The Association is also creating an assessor register and plans to celebrate those who complete the training.

The training will be delivered through a hybrid model combining remote and in-person learning.

Candidates who complete the programme will be added to the BESA Assessor Register and assigned to their nearest partner training provider.

Rattray stated: “Without recruiting more trainers and assessors, we simply cannot address the skills shortages that building services employers say are the biggest threat to their businesses.

“Engineers often undervalue their own knowledge and experience because it might come naturally to them, but by offering to share it with a whole new generation, they will be making an enormous contribution to the advancement of our industry.”

BESA launches programme to address shortage of trainers and assessors in UK building services: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched the ‘BESA Skills Legacy’ programme to address a shortage of trainers and assessors in the UK building services industry.

BESA stated that the shortage is preventing the further education sector from supplying the workforce needed to meet industry demand.

The programme is recruiting experienced industry professionals to support colleges and training providers.

The scheme was launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and will establish a structured pathway for qualified professionals to become trainers or assessors.

BESA has set up a national network of FE providers to deliver the TAQA Level 3 programme.

Training will be provided through a hybrid format.

Those who complete the programme will be added to the BESA Assessor Register and assigned to a partner training provider.

BESA has called for engineers to take part, stating that increasing trainer numbers is essential to overcoming industry-wide skills shortages.