How the FESS Group is shaping the future of apprenticeships

In an exclusive interview with Security Journal UK, the Fire Emergency, & Security Systems (FESS Group) discusses why the group was formed, how it is supporting its apprentices and its new training facilities.

Why was the FESS Group formed and what inconsistency or training gaps did the founders see in the fire & security apprenticeship standard that needed addressing?

Jolene Taylor, Managing Director, Elevation Training Academy

The FESS Training Provider Group was formed so that every apprentice, regardless of where they train, receives the same high-quality learning experience and achieves a consistent level of competence across the industry.

Our main focus is on alignment. This means making sure that providers interpret and deliver the apprenticeship consistently and to the same professional expectations, rather than highlighting gaps in the standard.

A key part of this is sharing good practice between training providers.

This way, we can identify and promote what’s working well across the network and maintain consistently high standards for all apprentices.

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it for the future of our industry!

How does the group ensure that all apprentices are developing not just technical competence, but also professional behaviours, safety mindset and ethical work practices?

Kevin Faulkner, Head of Academy, Banham Academy

An apprenticeship is about introducing a rounded person into the workplace with many different attributes as well as technical +9 competence.

Tutors delivering FESS will always set an appropriate example regarding professional behaviours that should always be adopted in the workplace.

There is a code of conduct and a clear safety policy that the apprentices adhere to.

Monitoring ethical work practices throughout the apprenticeship develops a mindset of accountability and integrity.

What measures has the group found most effective in making the FESS apprenticeship route more visible, appealing and retaining apprentices over the long term?

Jim Challis, Fire & Security Lecturer and Work Based Tutor, Hopwood Hall College

The most effective measures we’ve found for making our FESS apprenticeship route more visible, appealing, and successful in retaining apprentices over the long term are our Employer Forums.

We invite both our current partners and any employers within the wider FESS industry to visit the college and engage with us.

These sessions give us a valuable opportunity to present our current delivery model and for employers to share their insights, ideas, and suggestions including what they’d like to see added or where appropriate, refined or omitted.

In addition, maintaining regular contact with both employers and apprentices through surveys and workplace visits plays a vital role in ensuring we continue to deliver the programme to the highest possible standard.

With the investment in new training facilities, how do providers balance keeping up with advancing technology while ensuring coverage of core/traditional skills?

Ian Stringer, FESST Curriculum Lead, Skills for Security

We work closely with industry manufacturers to ensure that both our tutors and curriculum remain fully aligned with current industry standards and technological advancements.

This collaboration means our tutors stay up to date with the latest innovations, which in turn ensures our learners benefit from training that reflects real-world practices.

We embed specific manufacturer training directly into our curriculum, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience with current technologies while still developing the essential traditional and core skills required in their field.

This integrated approach enables us to balance the implementation of advancing technology with the continued emphasis on foundational skills – ensuring our graduates are both industry-ready and adaptable to future developments.