Making a Difference in Social Housing – Training the Next Generation

Life has its way of taking us on unexpected journeys. If someone told me years ago that I’d be teaching students in colleges, I would have been surprised. But here I am, excited to be part of something amazing with Aico.

To me, housing isn’t just about the buildings; it’s about creating safer homes, stronger communities and healthier residents. It’s like a puzzle that needs passionate and skilled people to make it come together. At Aico, I feel lucky to play an important role in this.

As a Regional Specification Manager for Aico, my job is to take care of our wholesalers, attend exhibitions, visit colleges, and train the next generation of installers. That being said, my job isn’t just about earning a living; it’s a chance to make a real impact. Working with colleges is a huge part of it, and it brings me immense joy. Talking to students, sharing what I know, and giving them the tools they need isn’t just satisfying; it’s about helping the next generation of professionals in our field and ensuring our life safety systems are installed correctly.

Our work with colleges reflects the heart of what we do. It’s not just about giving equipment; it’s about sparking passion and nurturing skills. Seeing the dedication of these students reminds me of the immense potential in our industry.

In 2023, I delivered our CPD accredited Expert Installer training to over 609 individuals, across 41 sessions, earning them each one hour of CPD time. These sessions took place either within the colleges themselves, or onboard one of our state-of-the-art mobile units. The mobile units are a pleasure to use and give customers the chance to get hands-on with our products and deliver the presentation in a comfortable space.

Aico’s Expert Installer training programme is designed to ensure Electrical Contractors are met with all the information needed to correctly and efficiently install domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems. The course covers our range of products, siting and installation, alarm grades, key features such as AudioLINK+ and RadioLINK, standards, and regulations. Expert Installer is delivered by multiple Regional Specification Managers every day, all around the UK, and on completion, opens up the opportunity for further training with Aico’s full day City & Guilds assured course, Domestic Fire & CO Alarm Systems.

Education lies within the core of Aico’s values and training, based on the best practices such as British Standard 5839:6. However, our commitment extends beyond that; we offer a diverse range of courses, including those on creating healthy homes, implementing smart home solutions, and achieving net zero standards.

Every moment spent guiding these future professionals fills me with a sense of purpose. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about building confidence and inspiring innovation. The growth I see in these students is incredible, and it reminds me that Aico is more than just a workplace—it’s about creating a better future for everyone.

Looking ahead, I feel excited. Each student I help has the power to make the housing sector safer, more sustainable, and resilient. It’s like a ripple effect, extending beyond the classroom and shaping a brighter tomorrow.

In conclusion, life’s unexpected paths have brought me to a place where passion and purpose meet. Aico is not just a workplace; it’s a platform for positive change and a driving force for transforming the housing sector. Together, we’re not just building structures; we’re shaping a better, safer, and more sustainable future for all.

To start training with Aico, find your local Regional Specification Manager at www.aico.co.uk/find-a-regional-spec-manager.