FIA joins with major new industry talent initiative

The FIA has unveiled its participation as a founding member in a new, industry-wide initiative designed to attract and develop a new generation of fire protection engineers.

Zitko Talent is an alliance of leading manufacturers, installation companies and educators who will be providing an intensive 12-month programme of salaried work experience, training and development.

The programme is suitable for a wide audience, from college leavers and career changers to engineers wishing to cross-train from other sectors. Trainees combine frontline installation experience with intensive training and education customised to their specific workplace.

The FIA will be the principal training provider for all Fire aspects. This will include adapting courses for individual employers and their trainees - drawing on an extensive catalogue that includes BS5839 Fundamentals and the Advanced FD&A qualifications.

For employers it’s the opportunity to attract and develop new talent far more efficiently and cost effectively than they could do so alone, with all training sourced and administered centrally as part of the fee.

Employers who are FIA members will qualify for a 20% programme discount. That represents a saving of almost £2,000 for every trainee they take on.

For full details of the programme please go to https://www.zitko.co.uk/divisions/talent.

Ian Moore – FIA CEO

“I’m delighted we’re taking part in the Zitko Talent programme. It affords us the opportunity to promote the Fire industry to a wide audience, including talented young people who are the future of our industry. We’ll also be working with our partners on another key aspect our mission: championing and continually raising standards. And we’ll be helping to deliver a lasting solution to the looming skills shortage.”

George Zitko – Zitko Talent MD

“Zitko Talent has been three years in the making and from the start we viewed FIA involvement as essential. Their involvement as our Fire training partner provides access to the sector’s Gold standard training, with courses such as BS5839 Fundamentals and Advanced FD&A included in the Zitko Talent fee. I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with the FIA on developing the next generation of Fire engineers.”