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Establishing clear career pathways and continuous improvement for the fire sprinkler industry

OUR COURSES

BAFSA's now offers a range of online and face to face courses from beginner to advanced to allow you to continue your professional development in the fire safety industry.

All courses are delivered on behalf of BAFSA by appropriate qualified/and or experienced course tutors working within ABBE accredited training providers. BAFSA works closely with its preferred training providers to ensure that course content is fit for purpose and supported by industry. You will be provided with specific course tutor contact details in your course joining instructions. 

If you have any questions about careers in the fire sprinkler industry or require help and advice on which course is most suitable for you please contact BAFSA's skills & development advisor, Ruth Oliver.

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BAFSA preferred training providers are:

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Sq - The Fire Systems Academy Logo
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AWARDING Bodies:

BAFSA’s Preferred Awarding Organisation is ABBE, the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE).

ABBE is regulated by Ofqual for a range of qualifications. ABBE was established in 1997 offering qualifications in the building and construction industry. It approves colleges and training providers to deliver qualifications and sets assessments and issues certificates to successful learners. The qualifications that ABBE offer are suitable for preparing to work in a sector, for starting your career and/or for professional development. 

In addition to offering nationally recognised qualifications, ABBE works directly with training centres and employers to develop bespoke qualifications to meet the specific needs of their learners and employees. ABBE also offers a training accreditation service.

ABBE has a nationwide network of centres through which training and assessment(s) can be undertaken.

Once a learner has received their ABBE L2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler qualification they can request approval from ABBE to use the ‘ABBE Qualified’ logo. This can be used anywhere they mention they have obtained the qualification. A strict log is maintained of those using the logo.

Employers can validate a ABBE Qualification Certificate here:

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Skillcard

Many construction and site managers request that their workers hold a SKILLcard before coming on site.

Below we provide an overview of the different types of SKILLcards available and what they mean. 

Digital SKILLcard

SKILLcard has recently introduced a digital SKILLcard available to download for Android and Apple smart phone users. Existing customers will be able to se their cards, renewal dates and scan onto site straight from their phone. Find out more here

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Red - Trainee

A red trainee card is for new entrant trainees who have no prior experience and are enrolled on the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation qualification. This card is valid for one year and is non-renewable. It can be upgraded to the skilled worker blue card when the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation qualification is achieved.

Green - Mate

A green card available to those carrying out basic site work only. This card does not allow the holder to assist with the physical installation of fire sprinkler systems. These card holders must be working with qualified skilled workers and a ratio of 4:1 (Green mates: blue skilled worker) applies. .

Blue Skilled - Fire Sprinkler Installer

A blue skilled worker card – ‘fire sprinkler installer’ is available to those experienced workers who hold the competency based qualification  Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation. Applicants for this card are also required to hold a HSE certificate.

Blue Skilled – Inspection & Commissioning of Fire Sprinkler Systems (Commercial)

A Blue Skilled Worker Card – ‘Inspection & Commissioning of Fire Sprinkler Systems (Commercial)’ is available to those workers who have successfully completed and achieved the BAFSA Inspection & Commissioning course. Applicants for this card are also required to hold an SMSTS or SSSTS certificate.

Gold - Supervisor

A gold (supervisor) card is available for the following supervisory occupations:
  1. Team leader (formerly foreman)
  2. Building services engineer supervisor (previously first-line supervisor)
  3. Junior/assistant project engineer (who has completed a student apprenticeship)
  4. Building services technician (previously senior commissioning engineer)
To qualify for a gold (supervisory) SKILLcard, applicants will need to undertake a recognised short course in supervisory management. For details of courses that will satisfy this requirement please contact the SKILLcard Helpdesk on 01768 860406.  Examples include, site supervisors safety training scheme (SSSTS), site managers safety training scheme (SMSTS), IOSH managing safely. For the statements of competences to be used in industry accreditation of applicants for gold (supervisory) SKILLcards click here.

Black - Managers

A black manager's skill card ‘design of fire sprinkler systems (domestic & residential)’ is available to those workers who have successfully completed and achieved the SQA Residential & Domestic Fire Sprinkler Design Certificate. Applicants for this card are also required to hold an SMSTS certificate.
For information on how to apply for any of the above fire sprinkler installer skillcards please visit https://www.skillcard.org.uk/find-the-right-card-for-you/

continuing professional development

Continuing Professional Development is a commitment to ongoing lifelong learning.

Whether it's learning something new, refreshing existing knowledge, improving skills, or simply keeping up-to-date with the latest developments within the fire suppression sector.

BAFSA is now an accredited CPD provider and will be providing events and seminars that offer CPD credits. Keep a look out on our news pages for details of events with CPD credits attached. 

For more information on CPD visit www.cpduk.co.uk

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COURSE LIST

Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation - Level 2 Online ( Commercial, Residential or Commerical & Residential)

BAFSA now offers three routes to the Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation ( Level 2). This are available to take as a residential option, a commercial option or a commercial and residential option combined. 

The Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Level 2) is a competency-based qualification aimed at individuals employed in the fire sprinkler industry. The qualification is approved for learners aged 18+ and who have a minimum of 3 years installer experience.There are no formal entry requirements although learners must be able to work at heights.

This qualification is intended for those installing fire sprinklers to evidence the knowledge and competences necessary to meet the industry standards for an installation role. The qualification provides an opportunity to follow several pathways (residential, commercial or both). The framework of the qualification should provide sufficient flexibility for the variations in different jobs and locations. For further details click on the link to book which will take you to the BAFSA Training Centre portal where you can go to the course list and select the Level 2 option you wish to take

ABBE L2 Certificate in Fire Sprinklers download

 

Level 2  - Commercial & Residential
  • Member cost:  £825 + VAT
  • Non-member fee:  £990 + VAT

Level 2 - Commercial
  • Member cost:  £765 + VAT
  • Non Member fee:  £856 + VAT 

Level 2 - Residential 
  • Member cost:  £765 +VAT
  • Non-member fee:  £856 + VAT


Next course date: Online in your own time
 

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Awareness Of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (FREE online Learning Course)

This free online course has been developed by BAFSA to highlight the vital role Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems play in protecting people and property. It includes details of the benefits, types of systems and components used and how these are matched to meet the individual requirements of of the buildings, contents and people they will protect. We are also keen to make people aware of the fantastic career opportunities available in the industry so have included details of pathways to entering and becoming accredited.

This is a free course but you are time-limited to 6 months from registration to completion of it otherwise access will be removed. To access the course, you must first register with the BAFSA Training Centre portal via the link below. 

MEMBER COST:  £0.00
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £0.00

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BAFSA FHC Design Competency Refresher 4 day online course (Commercial)

This online course follows on from the basic and intermediate design courses and covers sprinkler designs which use the fully hydraulically calculated (FHC) method of pipe sizing and water supply selection.

The candidates must have the following: 

  • A camera so we can see the candidate for the duration of the course.
  • A good internet connection
  • A quiet space away from background noise
  • An electronic workbook is provided which the candidates will need to print out in order to carry out written exercises.
  • An up to date set of LPC Rules Inc BS EN12845

This course requires candidates to be familiar with and have had some experience of FHC design, including roof and rack systems and requires that each candidate will bring along a scale rule, a calculator (that can raise numbers to powers, e.g. 13501.85), a lap top computer with the Canute FHC software already loaded, and a copy of the LPC Rules incorporating BSEN12845:2015 and the latest TBs.


FHC Course Flyer download

MEMBER COST:  £1,300 + VAT
NON-MEMBER FEE:  £1,400 + VAT
NEXT COURSE DATE:  10th March 2025 - 4 day course 

LOCATION:  Remote learning via a virtual classroom

 

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Classification of Sprinkler Systems & Pre-Calculated Sprinkler Design (Experienced)

This five-day course covers the classification of sprinkler systems and the design of pre-calculated commercial fire sprinkler systems in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. However, in order to deliver the learning outcomes, the course aim is to address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to; the classifications, storage configurations, storage heights, system requirements, head spacing, pipework sizing and water supply configurations.The course will benefit from a national award and also help towards a black managers CSCS card.

Course requirements:
  • Three years fire sprinkler design experience in pre calculated systems
  • The candidate shall have designed at least two pumphouses

Unit 3 Course Details For Experienced Worker DOWNLOAD

MEMBER COST:  £3,240 + VAT
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £3,600 + VAT
COURSE DATES: 
  • 28/04/2025
  • 16/06/2025

 

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System Classification & Pre-Calculated Fire Sprinkler System Design – (new entrants)

This two days a week course is aimed at new entrants to the sector and relates to the classification of sprinkler systems and the design of pre-calculated commercial fire sprinkler systems in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. The course aim is to address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to; the classifications, storage configurations, storage heights, system requirements, head spacing, pipework sizing and water supply configurations.The course will benefit from a national award and also help towards a black managers CSCS Card.

Course requirements

  • Engineering HNC or 6 standard grade GCSE's of which they must have Maths, English, Science (any) or
  • One years experience in fire sprinkler design (backed up by a reference and CV)

Unit 3 Course Details For New Designers download


MEMBER COST:  £3,600 + VAT
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £4,000 + VAT
NEXT COURSE: September 2025  

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ABBE Level 3 Award in Inspection & Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

This face to face course relates to the inspection and commissioning of commercial fire sprinkler system's design in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. The course aim is to address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to; the storage configurations, inspection of the system during and at the end of the installation, the commissioning of the system and an understanding of the required ongoing maintenance of the system.

To apply for this course:

  • An application from will need to be completed
  • A full CV should be issued with the application form
  • A reference will need to be provided

Please note the inspection and commissioning course requires a minimum of 3 years industry experience before a full certificate can be issued (depending on the outcome of the exam and assessments), Attendance certificates shall be issued to people with less than three years.

This qualification is part of the requirement for the Industry Skillcard – Blue Skilled Worker card.

Unit 6 I&C Course Information download

MEMBER COST:  £1,350 + VAT
NON-MEMBER FEE:  £1,500 + VAT

NEXT COURSE DATES: 
When: 02/06/2025
Where: Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel, 25 Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3DT
When: 30/07/2025
Where: TBC

 

 

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