Eastleigh College partnered with Churches Fire & Security, a national provider of fire safety and security services, to deliver training sessions to our Advanced Technical Diploma level 3 study programme courses and our 3 Electrical Block Release Level 3 Apprentice groups.

Churches Fire & Security met with Level 3 electrical learners and provided a hands-on demonstration of the mechanics of a standard emergency lighting system, learners then applied how to correctly install and service it for customers to meet British standard laws of fire safety.

The Churches team also worked with the learners to inform them about the importance of maintaining fire safety services for customers, they shared Churches Fire’s business practices and how they support companies across the UK with their safety requirements. The learners were able to ask any questions they had about working in the industry and then had the opportunity to use their electrical knowledge on test panels and learn how to mark-up premises floor plans for the installation of emergency lighting, with an employer led task.

Pete Joddrell, Deputy Principal at Eastleigh College said “We are delighted that Churches Fire & Security have taken the time to come and visit the College and speak to our learners. The benefits of having industry experts come into the college are significant and learners are able to relate their college course to real working practices. We hope that it has inspired them to follow in the footsteps of the experts at Churches”.

The training session was part of the College’s commitment to providing learners with as much industry experience and insight as possible and present them with networking opportunities to spark conversations about career options after they graduate.

Churches Fire & Security has pledged to support its local community, and the training given to the learners at Eastleigh College reinforces that commitment. The Southampton-based company is working across the region to help young people into work with free training and insights into the role of electrical technicians.

Steve Lewis, Regional Service Manager at Churches Fire & Security, was part of the team that delivered the training with two experienced technicians, he said, “These learners are acutely aware of the importance of electrical safety, and demonstrating how Churches Fire install and service fire safety services helped them to think of their career options beyond college.”