From 01 March 2024, the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Technician Apprenticeship was revised, combining the previous four pathways into one. This is in line with Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) policy, which aims to make the apprenticeship more robust and maintain the level of funding required to be a viable option for training providers.
Previously, professionals were able to complete an apprenticeship in one of four options: fire; fire and emergency lighting; security; or fire and security, to merit an ECS Gold Card in their chosen pathway. The revised standard has just one combined pathway, delivering knowledge in fire and security. Apprentices must demonstrate competency in both criteria by completing a professional interview and a theory test. However, the practical element of the End Point Assessment (EPA) will only assess one - either fire or security.
On completion of all elements, the apprentice will receive certification stating ‘Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship’. The apprentice’s ECS gold card will state ‘Fire Technician’ or ‘Security Technician’ based on which practical they undertook as part of their EPA.
Once awarded the ECS Gold Technician Card, in either fire or security, the other discipline will be added to the card as an additional occupation at ‘FESS Operative' standard.
To recognise the three-years of hard work undertaken by the apprentice, and to ensure they are not disadvantaged by this structural change, BPEC have agreed to provide an expedited Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) for those who choose to meet the competency requirements for both fire and security.
This EWA can be taken 12 months after the completion of the apprenticeship, providing a cost and time effective route to qualify and obtain a Gold Card in both disciplines.
Employers and professionals seeking support with the EWA can apply for part funding from the JIB Skills Development Fund (SDF) if they are working for a JIB member company. Read more information on the SDF
here.