During the last 25 years, the firefighter’s job has changed dramatically. While tackling fires remains at the centre of the role,
computer skills have become increasingly important.
“Today’s firefighters have to do a lot of
work on computers,” said Tim Davis, the Union’s Learning Co-ordinator for the London Region. “They use PCs for a wide range of tasks, like writing up fire reports, sending emails, creating presentations for local community fire safety briefings, ordering materials for the station, submitting annual leave requests and accessing new health and safety policies.
“The trouble is, despite years of dabbling on the computers at work, many still don’t feel at all confident in this area because they’ve never received formal IT training. When this
sentiment was confirmed by 81 per cent of respondents in a recent learning survey among Brigade staff, I knew we had to take action. I also knew that training the firefighting teams would not be straightforward because of their complex shift patterns. But then I found out about
Train to Gain, got in touch with Kingston College and the ball started rolling.”
Tim met with Lida Moghaddam, Skills
Development Manager for IT at Kingston College, to explain his very specific requirements. “The College staff bent over backwards to help,” said Tim. “A tutor came out with me to meet local firefighters at our stations at Kingston, Surbiton and New
Malden. He told them about the IT training they could access through Train to Gain, which generated a huge amount of interest.
“I then worked with Lida to find the right solution to meet our needs in full. It’s complicated, but it works! The ITQ course lasts for between nine months and a year and the firefighters are learning in small groups, along with colleagues from their watch. They
attend college for an afternoon every three weeks, just before they start their night duty, and are working through four modules: Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint. On top
of that they have a couple of hours’ work to do each week, at the station or at home.”
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Christian Wilkins, Deputy Director, Centre for Business Enterprise at Kingston College, is impressed by the level of commitment shown by the firefighters taking part in the training
and by the support from their managers and Trade Union. He said: “Everyone involved in this project has truly embraced this opportunity to develop. It is clear from the feedback to date that the firefighters have
found the training a positive experience that will add value to both their personal and working lives.”
Thanks to the IT tutors’ input, described by Fire Safety Inspecting Officer Nicholas Coleshill as “excellent and down to earth”, the firefighters no longer waste time completing simple, everyday IT tasks; instead, they confidently apply the shortcuts learned on their course and get the job
done in half the time. Firefighter Gary Smith said: “I only had a very basic knowledge of IT, but can now carry out more tasks at work involving IT, with more confidence and efficiency.”
Tim said: “The course has contributed
greatly to the smooth running of the station and has definitely boosted the firefighters’ confidence levels. In our survey, 86 per cent of respondents said they were keen to gain an external qualification. Having a Level 2 IT qualification under their belt is a huge plus, especially for those firefighters who are approaching retirement. I’m now looking to
expand the training to other fire stations across south London.”
FBU National Union Learning Fund Manager Trevor Shanahan concluded: “Skills in IT are requisite at work and in family life. Train to Gain has given Fire and Rescue Service staff the opportunity to gain these skills and get a qualification.”
“The course has contributed
greatly to the smooth running of
the station and has definitely
boosted the firefighters'
confidence levels.” |
