Sharing best practice with the next generation of Expert Installers

Here at Aico, our aim is to make homes safer – not only by providing the right safety products but ensuring that devices are installed correctly for the best protection.

One of the many ways we do this is through delivering education for our customers. Our FIA CPD accredited Expert Installer training, designed to ensure Installers have all the information they need to domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm systems.

But Expert Installer is not just for qualified electricians – we are delighted to offer this training to apprentices and colleges so we can share best practice with the next generation of electricians and installers.

So, how can Apprentices benefit from Expert Installer training? The one-hour module offers a great opportunity to learn aspects of alarm installation that may not be covered in the curriculum, as well as a chance to meet the supplier of the products they will install throughout their upcoming career.

In this blog, we will travel (virtually, of course!) across the UK, to learn how three of our Regional Specification Managers have supported students within their region with education and training.

‘Meet the Manufacturer’ with Dudley College

Gareth Butler, Regional Specification Manager for the West Midlands, has delivered training to electrical apprentices of Dudley College. As part of the course offering, Dudley College require their students to actively engage with manufacturers to learn more about products and technology, as well as expanding their knowledge.

Students of Dudley College

“I’m glad to see that manufacturers made an effort to engage with the college and students in this way. The feedback from all involved has been fantastic.” – Neil Thomas, Principal – Dudley College

There was good engagement from apprentices throughout the presentation, with students also visiting our state-of-the-art mobile training and demonstration unit to look at Aico’s smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in more detail.

“Following the training I had a much better understanding of the product. Training was good as I have used it in a recent project that I did with my dad where we fitted some Aico smoke detectors in a property. I found them very easy to install. It was good that we had some training on the product as it has given me an understanding of smoke detection that I can take with me moving forward. Looking to start an apprenticeship in a domestic electrical setting as this is what interests me, particularly smoke detection and renewable technologies.” – Joe Baggot, student

During the Expert Installer training session, Gareth provided students with an overview of BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020, which covers specific recommendations for fire alarm systems in all domestic premises and covers both new-build and existing properties. This valuable information is a best practice guide to alarm installation, ensuring apprentices know which alarms, and how many, are required in different types of homes, from owner occupied and HMOs to sheltered housing and self-catering accommodation.

“A great day arranged with Aico and Dudley College to promote the importance of life safety smoke and CO detection to the next generation of electricians. It’s really important that they are aware of the legislation, Building regulations and British Standards surrounding smoke and CO detection within the UK, and can take that knowledge with them on their apprenticeship journey.” – Gareth Butler, Regional Specification Manager – West Midlands

After the success of the Expert Installer training for their students, Dudley College has invited Aico to return every year, so their students can continue to learn about the requirements for home life safety.

Selby College visit Aico’s headquarters

Tony Teal, Regional Specification Manager for North & Wet Yorkshire organised for one of our mobile training and demonstration units to visit the Selby College Campus. During the day, Tony delivered Expert Installer training for 24 students, enabling them to learn best practice for domestic fire alarm installation.

Following the success of Expert Installer, the electrical students of Selby College visited Aico’s headquarters for more educational sessions.

During the visit, our technical team delivered a live smoke chamber demonstration, showcasing the effectiveness of Aico alarms in the event of a fire. The students also had a tour of our facilities to gain an insight into each of the departments, from marketing and sales to technical and operations.

Students finished the day with a presentation by Lucy Raemers of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC); Lucy focused on mental health awareness and described how the charity can offer support to apprentices who work within the sector.

Tony Teal and students aboard Aico’s mobile training and demonstration unit

Tony looks forward to returning to Selby College later this year to deliver Expert Installer to the next cohort of students.

“Great Day out at Aico and well worth the 6hr round trip. Thank you so much to the team at Aico.” – Andrew Wiggins, Subject Area Manager for Construction, Selby College.

South & City College explore Fire & CO standards and regulations

Our Regional Specification Manager for Birmingham, Craig Swift, was invited to deliver Expert Installer training to Level 2 & 3 students of South and City College; educating them on the standards and regulations set out by BS5839-6 & BS EN 50292.

There is a gap in the curriculum when it comes to best practice for domestic fire and CO alarm installation. However, South and City College want to ensure their students can gain additional knowledge on fire and CO alarm siting and maintenance, using Aico’s Expert Installer training to provide them with a greater understanding and the skills needed to complete a fire alarm installation on-site.

Craig delivered the training across two days at the Bournville Campus – a total of 94 students were trained over 5 sessions. This is a great way for us to educate students on the current standards, regulations & legislation effecting fire and CO in the UK, as well as exploring the key features of Aico products and technology, including the Gateway, SmartLINK, RadioLINK+ and AudioLINK+ – all designed to make installation and troubleshooting as simple as possible.

The students of South and City college were really engaged with the sessions, asking lots of questions throughout.

“Education is a key part of our business, so to be able to deliver the award-winning Expert Installer to the electricians of tomorrow is great. The students gain a good underpinning knowledge of the requirements for fire and CO and also have the opportunity to extend their knowledge by sitting our City & Guilds assured training. Providing education at the early stages ensures that we create safer communities for years to come.” – Craig Swift, Regional Specification Manager – Birmingham

Students of South and City College

Learn more about Expert Installer training

If you would like to find out more about Expert Installer training, please explore our website, or contact your local Regional Specification Manager.

Education does not stop when Expert Installer ends – once training is complete, all Expert Installers are invited to join our Installer Community Online, a dedicated platform to support our customers. Connect with other professionals in the industry, complete a range of educational challenges, and earn points to exchange for rewards.

The Installer Community is also a gateway to our City & Guilds assured training, designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the design, installation, maintenance, interconnection, siting, and electrical connection of domestic alarm systems.