First cohort completes full training at £50m facility
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has announced the graduation of 41 wholetime firefighters, the first to complete training at its new Learning and Development Centre.
According to NIFRS, the group includes 10 women and 31 men, all of whom completed a 19-week course at the site, which opened in May 2025.
The training facility was designed to deliver intensive practical and theoretical instruction to prepare recruits for frontline service.
Graduates will now be deployed to wholetime positions at fire stations across Northern Ireland.
The graduation ceremony was held at the new centre, marking the beginning of operational careers for all 41 recruits.
NIFRS Chief highlights milestone for recruits and staff
Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said the cohort were the first to fully train at the new site and acknowledged their performance and commitment.
Jennings said: “This is a hugely important day for our 41 trainees as they graduate as Wholetime Firefighters.
“This cohort of Firefighters made history for NIFRS as being the first Firefighters to complete all of their intensive training at our new college. Our graduates should be extremely proud of themselves.”
He added: “Our new college brings a new level of intensity to our training, and these graduates performed exceptionally well throughout the duration of the trainee Firefighting course.”
Jennings continued: “I would also like to recognise the dedication and commitment of our instructors, who were also new to the site and who were able to deliver this course to our new trainees.”
He said: “Our graduates are now ready to take their places as Wholetime Firefighters across Northern Ireland.
“They have chosen to become Firefighters because they believe in serving our community and working with others to make Northern Ireland a safer place.
“I wish them every success in what is a rewarding, interesting and meaningful career.”
Board chair emphasises strategic investment in training
NIFRS Board Chairperson Jay Colville also addressed the graduating class and highlighted the role of the new college in long-term workforce development.
Colville said: “On behalf of the NIFRS Board, I extend my congratulations to each of our trainees graduating today.
“We are committed to recruiting the best people to protect our community, and I am confident that our trainees today are equipped and ready to respond and serve the people of Northern Ireland.”
He continued: “Today marks a huge milestone for NIFRS and for the graduates here today.
“This is the first Wholetime graduation that we have held at our new £50m college, and I look forward to future generations of Firefighters completing their training here.”
Colville added: “As a service, we remain dedicated to investing in our personnel and ensuring the safety of everyone in Northern Ireland. I wish all of today’s 41 graduates success and happiness in their careers in NIFRS.”
Female representation in new intake
Of the 41 new firefighters, 10 are women.
This represents around 24 percent of the graduating cohort.
NIFRS did not specify whether this marks a change in recruitment trends but has previously committed to diversifying its workforce.
The organisation has run campaigns encouraging underrepresented groups to apply for roles across its services.
Future recruitment outcomes and demographics are likely to be monitored in line with the organisation’s inclusion goals.
College facility opened as part of NIFRS strategy
The new Learning and Development Centre, which cost £50 million, officially opened in May 2025.
It was purpose-built to consolidate and enhance firefighter training delivery in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS stated that the centre offers modern resources and live-fire training environments to reflect operational challenges.
The facility is expected to host future intakes of wholetime and retained firefighters as part of the service’s ongoing workforce strategy.
The organisation said the investment aligns with its broader objectives to maintain public safety and operational readiness across Northern Ireland.
Wholetime firefighters complete training at new NIFRS college in Northern Ireland: Summary
NIFRS has announced the graduation of 41 wholetime firefighters.
The group completed 19 weeks of training at the new Learning and Development Centre.
The centre officially opened in May 2025.
Graduates include 10 women and 31 men.
They are the first cohort to complete full training at the new site.
The graduation ceremony took place at the facility.
Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings praised the graduates’ performance.
Jay Colville, NIFRS Board Chairperson, congratulated the group.
The facility cost £50 million.
NIFRS said it provides enhanced training environments.
Graduates will now be deployed across Northern Ireland.
NIFRS confirmed its commitment to workforce development.
The organisation has stated goals for inclusion and diversity.
Future cohorts will also use the new training centre.
NIFRS will continue monitoring recruitment outcomes.
The training centre is part of NIFRS’s strategic infrastructure investment.