BAFSA achieves a first

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) working in conjunction with Industry Qualifications (IQ), BAFSA’s preferred Awarding Organisation, is pleased to announce the approval of a Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF), the first national qualification for sprinkler installers.

The IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF) is aimed at individuals employed in the mechanical fire protection sector, installing fire sprinklers, to develop the knowledge and competencies necessary to meet the industry standards for the installation role. The framework of the qualification provides sufficient flexibility for the variations in different jobs and locations.

The qualification content, developed by BAFSA members, covers Health & Safety, knowledge of the fire sprinkler industry, relationship building and communication, understanding how to manage own resources, maintaining compliance and dealing with non-compliance, installation and final handover procedures.

Mike Green, Vice Chair of BAFSA, and Chair of the Skills & Development Committee which contributed significantly to the development of the qualification comments “ the dedication and hard work of the team who have developed this important qualification will continue to ensure this qualification, and future developments, benefit the whole of the industry.”

Sallyann Baldry, Head of Business Development, IQ comments “I have represented awarding organisation, Industry Qualifications, for over two years on the BAFSA Skills and Development Committee and it has proved a rewarding experience to work with such committed individuals who have voluntarily come together for the betterment of their industry”.

“They recognised the skills needs in the fire sprinkler industry and the drivers for change that are being brought about through changes in legislation and technology. This qualification will go a long way to address these needs”.

The national qualification is supported by a robust Assessment Strategy which will ensure effective quality assurance arrangements for the qualification. Assessment for all the units will be through a portfolio of evidence (internally set and marked and quality assured by IQ).

Ruth Oliver, BAFSA Skills & Qualifications Technical Adviser who worked with the Skills and Development Committee to achieve the qualification comments “this qualification will equip people with the skills that employers want and that learners need to secure and maintain employment. It will also contribute to the UK’s business productivity, by ensuring that employers are able to make the most of the skills and competency of their workforce. This exciting opportunity will allow individuals to evidence their competencies within sprinkler installation to those who are investing in sprinkler technology in addition to raising the professionalism of the sector”.

The qualification, comprising seven units totalling 209 guided learning hours, will be initially delivered by BAFSA’s preferred Training Providers; Neath Port Talbot College, in South Wales and Manchester College, in NW England. BAFSA looks forward to continuing working with both colleges to ensure that the qualification is delivered successfully and is fit for purpose for the workforce.

Peter Snowball, Head of School, Building Engineering Services, Neath Porth Talbot College Group comments “As the first FE institution to be a member of BAFSA, NPTC Group of Colleges would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Skills and Development Committee on their achievement.  We are delighted to have been there supporting and providing input to this achievement from the outset. We are eager to play our part in the delivery and be one of the first colleges to deliver this qualification to the industry in Wales. NPTC Group looks forward to a bright future working with BAFSA”.

Chris Partington, Head of Construction Curriculum, Manchester College comments “Manchester College is proud to be the preferred learning provider for this new and exciting qualification for BAFSA and its members.  This is an exciting time and we are looking forward to working alongside BAFSA and its members to deliver a professional and valuable qualification for the fire sprinkler industry”.

Courses will commence in September 2015 with formal launch dates at both venues taking place in late September and late October respectively. Further details on the qualification, assessment strategy, course dates, and formal launch events will be available from BAFSA’s new Skills & Qualification webpage http://www.bafsa.org.uk/skills_qualifications.php