The FIA has unveiled its participation as a founding member in a new, industry-wide initiative designed to attract and develop a new generation of fire protection engineers. Zitko Talent is an alliance of leading manufacturers, installation companies and educators who will be providing an intensive 12-month program of salaried work experience, training and development.
The program is suitable for a wide audience, from college leavers and career changers to engineers wishing to cross-train from other sectors. Trainees combine frontline installation experience with intensive training and education customized to their specific workplace. The FIA will be the principal training provider for all fire aspects.
develop new talent
This will include adapting courses for individual employers and their trainees - drawing on an extensive catalog that includes BS 5839 Fundamentals and the Advanced FD&A qualifications. For employers, it’s the opportunity to attract and develop new talent far more efficiently and cost-effectively than they could do so alone, with all training sourced and administered centrally as part of the fee.
Employers who are FIA members will qualify for a 20% program discount. That represents a saving of almost £2,000 for every trainee they take on.
fire safety industry
Zitko Talent has been three years in the making and from the start we viewed FIA involvement as essential"
Ian Moore - FIA CEO: “I’m delighted we’re taking part in the Zitko Talent program. It affords us the opportunity to promote the fire safety industry to a wider audience, including talented young people who are the future of our industry. We’ll also be working with our partners on another key aspect of our mission: championing and continually raising the bar on professional standards."
"The reason I am behind this program is that it is bringing people in from outside the fire safety industry and not “fishing in the same pond”; and will undoubtedly help to deliver a lasting solution to the looming skills shortage.”
Gold standard training
George Zitko - Zitko Talent MD: “Zitko Talent has been three years in the making and from the start we viewed FIA involvement as essential. Their involvement as our Fire training partner provides access to the sector’s Gold standard training, with courses such as BS5839 Fundamentals and Advanced FD&A included in the Zitko Talent fee. I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with the FIA on developing the next generation of fire engineers.”