Vulcan Fire Training - How it all began
4th October 2016
About Graham Holloway, MD of Vulcan Fire Training
Graham Holloway BA(Open), FIFireE, FIFSM, MIFPO, MIIRSM, joined the London Fire Service at 16 years of age when the Brigade offered a Junior Firefighter scheme. He rose to the ranks of Assistant Divisional Officer, but unfortunately had his career cut short after a serious incident back in 1986.
Having the fire service in his blood, so to speak, Graham searched for a role outside the Brigade that would put his wealth of experience, both in operational and fire safety departments, to good use. Graham took up the appointment as fire advisor to the USA Airforce bases leased from the RAF, and was tasked to come up with a solution between UK fire safety and Building Regulations and USAFE and NFPA fire codes for bases in the UK.
Graham’s next appointment was as Battalion Chief for the Saudi Aramco Oil Company in Saudi Arabia where he wrote and delivered fire courses for the company’s fire department, including writing the chemical weapon SOP and delivering training, prior to the first Gulf War. During his 3 years in SA he honed his computer skills and developed courses which he hoped he could deliver in the UK upon his return, as he could see the need for those responsible for fire in organisation to have the knowledge to ensure that lives and property were adequately protected.
He approached a couple of the largest health & safety training companies at the time (no longer operating) and delivered his fire portfolio on their behalf validated by the Institution of Fire Engineers.
As demand grew, particularly for the Fire Manager Certificate 9 day courses which he ran, it was decided in 2005 to offer these courses under the Vulcan Fire Training brand. This was just prior to the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, which added impetus to the training, putting the responsibility for fire safety upon the responsible person within an organisation, and not relying on the Fire Certificates produced and monitored by the Brigades.
So although officially established as Vulcan Fire Training in 2005, Graham himself has been delivering courses to thousands of health & safety professionals and others involved in fire safety since 1993.
The company prides itself on a high standard of training, empowering delegates with the knowledge and understanding to carry out their various roles within the fire safety arena. Regularly delegates comment on the knowledge and helpfulness of the trainers whose aim is for them to succeed and not just pass an exam.
Vulcan also provide advice to former delegates on an ad hoc basis and regularly carry out fire risk assessments for clients producing a PAS 79 methodology report, fire emergency plans and other fire documentation as required.
Vulcan’s customer service team are not commission based and happy to assist clients and prospective customers in a friendly and helpful manner. It prides itself on keeping a very friendly business relationship with clients who regularly recommend its services to others.
Vulcan Fire Training
www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk
01925 211488
