As a specialist provider of End-Point Assessment (EPA) with extensive experience in the protective services sector, we’ve worked closely with Babcock International providing the EPAs for London Fire Brigade apprentices for many years.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we delve into what it’s actually like to be an apprentice at one of the world’s largest fire services, so we spoke to three former apprentices –, Archie Withey, Diarmuid Colgan, and Jade Konkel.
Here’s what the former Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprentices we interviewed had to say.
How do you think the experience from your apprenticeship continues to help you in your role today?
Archie Withey (AW) The apprenticeship gave me a lot more self-belief – it really helped me discover a different part to myself I didn’t know I had!
Diarmuid Colgan (DC) I think I have learned a lot, mostly subconscious learning has prepared me for my new role.
Jade Konkel (JK) I liked the way the apprenticeship allowed me to really work on learning and developing, as well as reflections on the experience whilst I was still a recruit.
Do you feel that skills you learnt in your apprenticeship helped your career progression?
AW My apprenticeship taught me that leadership, courage and communication are key, which have helped me at all stages of my career.
DC Yes, I learned a lot of skills during my apprenticeship and that has instilled the practice to keep learning today. There is always something to learn or develop!
JK Apprenticeships help keep you in an always-learning mindset, which is what anybody looking for career progression should be in.
Does learning and development continue to be part of your role today? If so, what opportunities do you get to continue your professional development in your current role?
AW As I am currently a Temporary Leading Firefighter (LFF), I’ve had to undertake training courses to enable me to do this role. The course from Babcock was really beneficial and was nice to see a link between the Firefighter Development (FFD) team at Babcock and the London Firefighter trainers as they all wanted to help you.
DC Every day is a learning day. I have gone for the Leading Firefighter role and have been helped by my station officer and sub officer. I also continue my professional development every day in different ways.
JK Yes, I’m always looking at ways to learn and keep up to date with learning to prevent skills fade where possible. I always look out for different policies to read each tour so I can focus learning into bite-sized, manageable pieces.
What is your advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
AW Absolutely do it! It’s so beneficial and allows you to gain on-the-job experience which, for me, is so much better than any university degree.
DC Do it! Never let amazing opportunities pass you by.
JK I would highly recommend it as it is also a nationally recognised achievement for your skills.
If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship with London Fire Brigade, explore their website for more information.
End-Point Assessments
SFJ Awards offer End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship standard. Find out more about the EPA for this standard.
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