Firefighter training school What is it? All new Trainee Firefighters will undertake a program of learning resulting in a Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship (equivalent to an A-Level academic standard). The apprenticeship begins during your 15-week acquisition training (where you are a Trainee Firefighter) and continues at a fire station as part of on the job learning. Apprentice firefighters will need to demonstrate competency in various areas over a minimum period of 18 months. Apprentices are expected to complete a portfolio of evidence, and will continue to receive training as part of their development. Training School Training locations are across London, with no accommodation or parking. Venues are Barking, Beckton, Plaistow, Park Royal and Harrow. You will need to take this into consideration if you live outside of London, as you may decide to arrange accommodation nearby at your own cost. Training school is Monday – Friday from 08:00 – 18:00. This is a very intense training course and will need your full commitment during this time. Training school is both theory (classroom) and practical (drills). You are assessed throughout your training, if you fail an element of training, you may be required to repeat some modules of the training again, meaning your 15 week course could be longer. Your fitness will need to be at optimum levels during this period, training school is extremely physically demanding. For example, you could be drilling outside all day in thick and heavy PPE in summer heat. Training school requires a high level of commitment and self-discipline. You will be learning new and technical information/skills at speed therefore need to be very focused. Any outside responsibilities or interests will needs to be carefully managed to ensure you can give it your all to successfully pass. The Apprenticeship journey to a competent Firefighter Training and demonstrating your competence (over a minimum of 18 months) PHASE 1+ You will need to pass your 15 week initial full time training (mon-fri) PHASE 2+ You will then receive ongoing training at your fire station (on a shift working pattern) and attend apprenticeship specific workshop training to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the firefighter role. PHASE 3+ Throughout the apprenticeship you will be expected to upload a large volume of evidence of your learning, onto the computer. Completing a firefighter apprenticeship requires commitment and self-motivation to ensure you are progressing through your apprenticeship over the 18 months in a timely fashion. PHASE 4+ End-Point Assessment (18 months) This is the final assessment which includes a practical assessment and knowledge test, to determine if the apprentice has passed the apprenticeship. You will be expected to drive the fire appliance after your Apprenticeship, therefore you need to obtain an LGV provisional license (which includes passing the necessary LGV Theory/Hazard perception tests and medical), before you can be deemed a competent firefighter. Firefighter Duties The Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship is made up of 14 duties. The apprenticeship journey ensures that apprentices collect the skill knowledge and behaviours to be able to perform these duties at station. Educate the community to improve awareness of fire and rescue safety matters Take responsibility for effective personal performance in fire and rescue Establish and maintain effective working relationships with people Save and preserve endangered life. Safely conduct a search to locate life involved in fire and other incidents, using a range of rescue equipment Rescue life (human or animal) involved in accidents Respond and provide resolution to fire and rescue operational incidents Provide support to people directly or indirectly involved in operational incidents Carry out roles and responsibilities, within the incident command system, alongside other agencies during fire and operational incidents Protect the environment from the effects of hazardous materials and support people involved. This could include the use of appropriate PPE and decontamination methods Test and maintain equipment to support the effectiveness of operational rescue Collect information on risks and resources in your community Support the development of colleagues in the fire and rescue service Contribute to fire safety inspections and outcomes to minimise risks to people, property and the environment Provide treatment to casualties Learning Format E – LEARNING TRAINING & WORKSHOPS STATION BASED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT STATION BASED PORTFOLIO LMS LOGBOOK END POINT ASSESSMENT Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Journey 5 Weeks Before+ Pre-Course Induction & Welcome Day You’ll be welcomed to your apprenticeship with an Introduction from LFB and Babcock. Your registration and initial assessments are confirmed. 2 Weeks Before+ FFD Phase 1 Your Firefighter Development begins with guided learning over the next 2 weeks. Weeks 1 – 11+ FFD Phase 2 You’ll begin your Core Skills acquisition training. Phase 2 marks the official start of your 18-month apprenticeship. Weeks 12 – 13+ End-Point Assessment (18 months) This is the final assessment which includes a practical assessment and knowledge test, to determine if the apprentice has passed the apprenticeship. You will be expected to drive the fire appliance after your Apprenticeship, therefore you need to obtain an LGV provisional license (which includes passing the necessary LGV Theory/Hazard perception tests and medical), before you can be deemed a competent firefighter. 4 – 15 Months+ Phase 4 Station Posting / Workplace Learning and Development Phase 4 includes your Station-based training and assessments, apprenticeship coach reviews, collection of evidence for the Station-based Portfolio, and Line Manager assessments against Firefighter duties. Functional Skills (month 4+) If required. See Functional Skills Timeline. Workshop A (6 months) You’ll refresh and confirm maintenance of skills over 2 days. BA Refresher (8 months) You’ll attend a BA Refresher held over 2 days with other apprentices. Workshop B (9 months) You’ll refresh and confirm maintenance of skills over 2 days. Gateway / Workshop C (months 14-15) Post Gateway Sign-off you’ll attend the 1-day Workshop C, which assesses your readiness to progress to EPA. 17 – 18 Months+ EPA End Point Assessment is your final assessment with Skills For Justice Awards (SFJIA). This includes a practical assessment, online knowledge test, and a professional discussion, split over 2 days.You’ll refresh and confirm maintenance of skills over 2 days. You’ll attend a BA Refresher held over 2 days with other apprentices. The Apprenticeship Station Based Portfolio must be completed to ensure that Apprentices have the evidence required at Gateway and to achieve a pass or distinction at End Point Assessment. Additional information Training school is a mixture of classroom style and practical exercises with around 10 other Firefighters on development. If you haven’t been in a classroom-based environment for a long time, they may want to revisit what worked well for them the last time they were. This includes knowing your learning style, having learning strategies, knowing how well you learn in a group setting. We have our learning and support team on hand if needed. If you are neurodiverse and require reasonable adjustment you must declare this before training school starts. It can be a very intense training over 12 weeks which requires dedication and commitment, so allowing downtime during evenings and weekends where possible will be beneficial. Prepare friends and family by letting them know beforehand that they may not be as available for them as they usually are.