IFE launches Elevate initiative for early career fire professionals
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG) has recently unveiled an extensive professional development initiative titled Elevate. This new series, which aims to support early career professionals in the fire sector, is set to span 24 months and is designed to bridge the existing skills gap within the industry.
Elevate consists of fortnightly, 60-minute interactive sessions, each hosted by prominent industry leaders from the global fire sector. The inclusion of a Q&A segment will enable participants to engage directly with subject matter experts, fostering interactive learning experiences. The programme has been developed with input from the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB), reflecting the diverse workforce and varied roles present in the fire safety domain.
Dean Morris, chair of the ECNG, articulated the vision behind the Elevate series: “Fire safety is not a one size fits all vocation; it requires a complex skill set paired with constant growth and this was the catalyst for the development of the Elevate series. It will equip early career professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel in the varied nuances of fire safety, harnessing the confidence to explore the career paths available.” He also pointed out that organisations will find value in integrating the programme into their training strategies, saying, “they can enhance their internal development programmes, ensuring personnel are well-versed in current best practices and innovations within fire safety.”
The Elevate series is being offered free of charge to all fire professionals globally, which allows participants the flexibility to register for individual sessions based on their interests or commit to the entire series for a more comprehensive learning experience. The first session, titled “Introducing fire science”, is scheduled for 2nd April 2025, coinciding with National Careers Week, and will cover foundational concepts such as methods of heat transfer, fire load, and fire load densities.
The IFE ECNG encourages industry professionals to contribute to the series by volunteering as speakers. Those interested in participating can refer to the speaker brochure for details on remaining opportunities for contributions.
In parallel with developments in the fire sector, West Mercia Police has reached a notable milestone by completing 20,000 hotspot policing patrols. This disruption tactic aims to place police officers strategically in locations where their presence can have the most significant impact. This week, the police also celebrated the essential roles their staff play in community safety, victim support, and crime investigation.
Additionally, Aberbargoed Fire Station in South Wales has achieved recognition as the UK champion of this year’s Fire Fighters Charity Bag it and Bank it Recycling Championship, highlighting the important contributions of fire stations beyond their primary operational roles.
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These events reflect ongoing developments and initiatives within the emergency services sector, highlighting the continual efforts to enhance professional skills, community safety, and collaborative crime prevention strategies.