BAA
BAA is the world's leading airport company owning seven UK airports including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stansted, Heathrow and Southampton. As part of their service, the company has its own fire service to provide airside support for all seven airports.
Training Requirement
BAA approached Stevenson College Edinburgh in the mid-1990s to provide a distance learning programme to be incorporated into the company's promotional structure for firefighters. They already had basic training but there was no method of measuring and formally proving their competency to move onto the next role in the Airport Fire Service.
The company required an accredited training programme standardised for all sites, delivered through distance learning and SCE was chosen as the ideal provider.
Training Solution
Initially a distance learning package, including tutor support, was developed in line with local authority Fire Service Examination Board qualifications also including modules specific to aviation firefighting.
Over the years the structure within the fire service has changed and as a result the training programme was updated to take into account both organisational and role changes as well as up-to-date legislation.
In 2006, a working group was set-up with BAA and SCE staff to develop an online programme to assess the competency, skills and knowledge of candidates ensuring they are ready for career progression within the company. The programme was designed to meet the theoretical knowledge and competencies required for the role of First Line Supervisor in an airport fire service and can therefore be applied to other employers in the industry.
The programme entitled Aircraft Fire and Rescue Career Progression was launched in January 2008.
Training Results
The programme is delivered to firefighters at all seven BAA airports via the SCE virtual learning campus and comprises five modules. Each site has a designated on-site tutor providing the participants with day-to-day support and assistance if required.
The first two groups of students have completed the 11 months training programme and feedback is very positive. Successful completion of the programme has now become a necessary requirement to apply for a promoted position within the company.
Evaluation and review systems have been put in place to allow for continual updates of the programme and to ensure it adheres to up-to-date practices and legislation.
With BAA's continued support and backing, SCE Enterprise is now taking this training product to a wider market and other aviation fire services in the UK and internationally. Further projects involving BAA and SCE Enterprise are planned, including working towards new programmes for other areas in the organisation. SCE Enterprise has also been commended at the Business to College Awards for building a successful business relationship over 15 years with BAA.
BAA Group Fire Service Training Manager, Tony Storer, said:
"The mutual respect within our relationship has developed over the years, BAA recognise the excellent training facilities provided through SCE Enterprise and the common vision of improving learning for all people given the advances in technology."
Video:
