With the window to invest time in training while on furlough extended until October 2020, over the next few months, it will be vital for individuals to continue to improve their skillset and keep boredom at bay, during an extended time being furloughed.
From CPD sessions to online training, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) offers a broad portfolio of industry-renowned sessions and courses for individuals to invest their time in while being furloughed.
Engaging in CPD sessions and online training
Furloughed employees will be able to engage in training, as long as doing so does not provide services to or generate revenue for/or on behalf of their company, or a linked or associated company. Where training is undertaken at the request of their employer, furloughed employees are entitled to be paid at least their appropriate national minimum wage.
In most cases, the furlough payment of 80% of an employee’s regular wage, up to the value of £2,500, will be sufficient to cover these training hours. However, if the time spent training exceeds the furlough payment, employers will need to pay the additional wages, basically meaning that many employees can be trained with no hassle or paperwork.
Enhancing industry knowledge in furlough period
FIA recommends fire professionals to start their online training with Fundamentals in FD&A (BS 5839-1) Unit 1
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said businesses should encourage staff to ‘boost their skills’. He urged furloughed employees to improve their knowledge, build their confidence and support their mental health so that they have the skills they need to succeed after the coronavirus outbreak.
The FIA recommends fire professionals from across the sector to start their online training with Fundamentals in FD&A (BS 5839-1) Unit 1, as it does not require an examination and allows individuals to progress to Fundamentals in FD&A Unit 2, with this exam can be taken after the lockdown ends.
Setting up online exams in line with OFQUAL’s requirements
In addition, should the student fail the examination then the association is prepared to offer a free place in a classroom on the same course and exam, both free of cost. The FIA is still working on how best to set up the online examination process in line with OFQUAL’s (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) requirements.
Alternatively, both the Emergency Lighting Foundation & Design and Emergency Lighting Advanced Maintenance & Operation courses have proved to be incredibly popular among fire professionals.