The landscape of fire safety is changing. Amendments are being made to Fire Safety legislation, and it is firmly on the agenda of central government. This means it is an exciting time to join us and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by a career in fire safety with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
You will enter the team as a trainee Business Fire Safety Advisor, during which time you will be supported to achieve your Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety as well as benefit from an array of in-house training. This is a vital role in the department, as you will be our eyes and ears on the ground and our first port of call with members of the public as you provide advice on fire safety in premises throughout the county. Read more about the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety here.
Whilst opportunities will arise to progress within the team, there is no pressure to do so, and you may decide to remain a Business Fire Safety Advisor where you would continue to play a vital role. You can also take the opportunity to develop your knowledge further by undertaking the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety. Read more about the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety here.
Should you wish to progress your career, there will be opportunities for the right candidates to become fully qualified Fire Safety Inspectors. This will mean undertaking a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, whilst again being fully supported in your studies to do so. This is a nationally recognised qualification and a requirement for Inspectors in brigades across the country. Read more about the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety here.
Upon completion of the Level 4 Diploma, in-house training workbooks, and legal qualifications, you will be fully qualified to undertake audits in all relevant premises and take the necessary enforcement action. This could entail anything from providing advice to carrying out a full investigation for a potential prosecution. In addition, you will have the skills necessary to consult on planning applications for new builds and material alterations to existing buildings, helping shape the way the county looks and helping to ensure that buildings are safe before they are ever occupied.
At this point, you would have all the mandatory qualifications to carry out the role of a Fire Safety Officer. However, opportunities to develop would not end there. We currently have a cohort undertaking the Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineer Design (Technician) to take their knowledge to the next level.
Where there is a business case, and the candidate has shown an exceptional aptitude for fire safety and engineering, there may arise the opportunity to undertake a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Fire Safety with an accredited university. It is envisaged that this role will become more common in fire services due to the changing landscape of fire safety and how high-risk, complex buildings will be managed all the way from the planning stage.