Leaving the Military? Why Choose Fire Safety as a Career?

Graham Holloway, managing director of Vulcan Fire Training and former senior fire officer, explains why fire safety management is a great career choice for ex-service personnel.

“Leaving the armed forces can be daunting for service personnel as they progress to work in industry and commerce, so choosing a career path that makes best use of the skills and experiences you have acquired during your time in the forces is a sensible option.

Strengths would obviously include a great work ethic and self-discipline, but more so, working to strict guidelines and policies and procedures in a high risk environment, which are particularly useful in relation to fire safety. 

We have trained thousands of people in fire safety management techniques from a wide background of different disciplines. The ELCAS route often sees successful course delegates initially working as a fire risk assessor for health and safety companies, local authorities, NHS trusts or larger organisations.  

Following this work episode they will then often move into self-employment, when they have gained sufficient experience in fire safety management. There is a lot of fire consultancy work out there in the marketplace, however there is also keen competition from a variety of competitors from different backgrounds, so gaining the relevant qualifications and experience will stand you in good stead.

To work as a fire advisor/consultant you will need professional qualifications of at least Technician gradefrom one of the three awarding bodies (IFSM, IFE, or IFPO).  You should consider getting on a fire risk assessor register, and most importantly get appropriate insurance cover especially professional indemnity insurance.”

Vulcan Fire Training are ELCAS registered and often train former service personnel in fire safety management courses.  Our qualification based fire courses enable people to pursue a career in fire safety as an adviser, consultant or trainer.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in fire safety management click here to see course details.