Elevate contractor spotlight:
Hi all, with the rather large focus across the country on building compliance and it tying in with Elevate’ s strengths, I thought it a good idea to do a regular blog spotlighting our contractors and the services they provide, and gauging their opinions on current affairs , with that in mind and with the current national shortage in suitably qualified fire safety specialist, I have interviewed Mark - One of many Elevate’ s specialist partner contractors , I hope this helps those looking to enter the workplace and forge a new career in the sector .
If this chimes with you and you would like to have an informal chat / discuss your options or if your organisation could utilize Elevate and our partner contractors for a particular upcoming project, do get in touch with me at matt.walker@elevateprojects.co.uk
Mark, Tell me a bit about yourself and your company / the specialist services you provide currently ?
I pride myself in telling my clients that I am an independent fire risk assessor and not attached fire alarm companies, etc., so all my advice will be independent and will be the best advice, and I enjoy helping and supporting small businesses and landlords to understand and achieve there fire safety compliance and this appears to be my specialty.
What was your background prior to fire safety / compliance?
20 years ago, I was a financial advisor, a career I did not enjoy, and I soon realized that I hate sitting in an office all day, so I did night school for a little. I got my 16th Edition training in electrical installation. Soon afterwards, I left behind my career in banking and started working for Sky as a field engineer, and I soon became a field health and safety manager. I found I really enjoyed the health and safety element of the roles and managing engineer working at height. I continued doing this role for about 11 years, then decided it was time to focus and broaden my health and safety passion, so I decided to specialize in the fire industry. While still working, I studied part-time, completing my fire NEBOSH and Fire risk assessment training, which was not easy, as I self-studied and self-funded myself with the FPA, and in 2019, I took the plunge and left Sky, and set up my own.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in fire safety/compliance?
Well, my main aim was to become a fire engineer; I soon realized that without a university degree in engineering, it would not happen. So, I looked at other avenues to get involved in fire safety, and hence I have gone down the route of becoming a fire risk assessor. I am still aiming to one day be able to do some fire engineer roles.
What qualifications do you hold, and how did you go about obtaining the qualifications and experience?
I currently hole NEBOSH fire and Fire Risk assessment management with the FPA, and various other qualifications which I have completed once becoming a fire risk assessor; you must remember that you will always learn and always need some more qualifications.
Which qualifications do you feel are most appealing to an end client considering current market demand/conditions?
NEBSOH Fire is what most recruiters are only asking for qualification-wise, which I think is a shame, as there are a load, a more suitable fire safety courses, which is probably even better. So, balance, you need to balance your training.
What are your thoughts on the supply/demand issue for suitably qualified staff currently in the sector, and will the new guidance help attract new blood quickly enough?
There are certainly not enough qualified fire skills out in the workforce; with changes due to come to happen in the next few years due to the fire safety bills, the shortage will only get bigger as more people begin to move to specialist areas. The training and the course cost are expensive, and if employer were able to offer a 2-year training program funded, I think more people would be able to sign up.
Do you have any advice for people reading this and considering a career in fire safety?
Be open to continuous learning and have time; it will take time to understand everything; I have been doing this for 4 years and still learning and understanding. If you just expect to complete one course and be done, that won't be possible.
Before I made the jump, I offered to buy people a coffee and ask them about their experience, how they got to become fire risk assessors, how they became fire engineers, and what qualifications they did. I also attend some free CPD events one line and at trade shows to get a fell
What additional challenges do you foresee for the sector over the next few years?
Recruiters are all expecting everyone to have a couple of years of experience, which is not possible if you are starting out, and the experience assessor will be moving on or up, so this will leave a gap in the industry; also, the challenge around assessor needing to be on national registers will be putting some people off by doing the extra leg work. Employers are also not currently offering trainee roles or apprenticeship roles, which is disappointing and adds to the skills gap.
