Electricians and gas engineers require complex practical skills that need to be tested before they can deliver services directly to an end user. Steve Bulley, Regional Specification manager at Aico, looks at how they worked with South Devon College to train over 100 electrical and gas students in all aspects of domestic fire and carbon monoxide detection
South Devon College is a very well-regarded further education institute located in Paignton, Devon. It offers a range of apprenticeships including Electrical & Gas.
Electricians and Gas Engineers require highly complex practical skills that need to be tested in a working environment before they can deliver services directly to an end user.
Apprenticeships are uniquely positioned to give people the hands-on experience they will need to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in this vital sector.
Electrical and Gas apprenticeships also enable people to build relationships directly with employers and other tradespeople who can help with a fulfilling career once the apprenticeship has been completed.
South Devon College has a learning culture which promotes five core values through teaching, learning and assessment: Progress of learners, inclusion, aspiration, innovation and support for learners.
The learning journey is an opportunity for individuals to fulfil their potential and progress to higher levels of study with the goal of finding relevant, valued employment that utilises the skills learnt regardless of circumstance, disposition or aptitude.
This attitude is carried across the college through various exhibitions and award ceremonies throughout the year.
South Devon College also utilise guest speakers like myself, who can pass on advice, inspire and provide vision to learners.
John Shermer,Lecturer Building Services, said: “Steve Bulley’s passion for domestic fire safety is second to none and he is regarded as the industry expert in the South West on this very important topic.
“Steve coming into the college for this day of training will enable our students to better understand how to help their clients with this vital issue.
“We are pleased to be working with a genuine inspirational, professional who has such a great connection with our students.”
Steve Bulley, Regional Specification manager at Aico, said: “Working with young people and giving them the tools to protect lives is a massive focus for us at Aico and a big driver for me personally.
“John Shermer, Lee Randall-Pybus, Spencer Brown and the whole team at South Devon College are driven, passionate people who have only the best interests of their students at heart and they in turn are a credit to them.
“I look forward to forging a longstanding relationship with this first-class educational establishment.”
The Expert Installer Module is designed to train installers on how to install Aico’s range of products correctly by following best practice guidance given by government regulations and British Standards.
This module is an integral part of Aico’s training programme which also includes an assessment test at the end of the course in order for students to receive their qualification as an Expert Installer.
South Devon College was keen that the students received CPD training and gain valuable experience.
Jamie Harrison, a Level 3 Electrical Transition Student, said: “I fit these detectors often with my employer and they are both quality and easy to install.”
Dan Jonas, a Level 2 Electrical Transition Student, commented: “I really enjoyed today’s training, it was very engaging and great fun!”
The training course is one that South Devon College will utilise each year with the new intake of students, forming part of their curriculum.
By working together, Aico and South Devon College will be able to build a long-standing relationship that ensures that all of their electrical and gas students receive this valuable Aico CPD training each year.
Supporting education is a big focus for Aico and we have a dedicated team of 29 RSM delivering fully accredited CPD courses to further education colleges across the UK.
Housing Digital Stakeholder Aico are the European leader in home life safety, pioneering new technologies and offering high quality alarms, developed and manufactured in Ireland.
If you would like to find out more, you can find your local RSM here.
Read next: Aico launches new multi-sensor fire and carbon monoxide alarm
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