Fire training

[cbfire999]

Hoping for a bit of info from somewhere out there!  I have been in the Fire trade for 16 years and i have now decided to change direction and move into Fire Training.  Has anyone got any tips to help me set up a company in this field?  Any help would be much appreciated.  Thanks.

[colin todd]

The one thing I would say is that its very difficult! When times are hard, its an easy thing for employers to cut. Also, its hard work convincing employers its necessary anyway. One way of doing so is to let them see what their employess believe about the fire procedures. Best of luck anyway!

[AnthonyB]

"don't have your eggs in one basket" springs to mind for the reasons Colin states.

Most organisations that provide fire training seem to fall into these types:

a) Providers/Maintainers - i.e. Fire extinguisher/Fire alarm supply & service companies who offer it as an addition customer service and a useful extra income stream

b)Specifiers/Consultants/Trainers - i.e. Health and Safety and Fire Safety consultants or general training organisations where this is a part of their service portfolio with other training subjects and advisory services

There are a few specific specialists and of course most brigades offer reasonable cost training too.

I'd certainly go for it, it can be enjoyable if you like being a trainer, but don't rely on it alone - stick with your core business as a back up or be in a position to offer a reasonably varied range of courses for maximum interest

[Simon Morriss]

CB

Make sure your product is good, you provide what the client wants and you are good value for money.  Cheap isn't always the best.

Also look at areas of fire training that are not generally covered, i.e. not the basic fire extinguisher training or fire marshall training.  I don't know your experience but there are a few holes in the market if you look.

Simon

[cbfire999]

Thanks for your replies, certainly food for thought.  Bikerboy mentioned "Holes in the market!"  Any clues for me on this one before I go off in totally the wrong direction?  Secondly, whilst researching this topic, I have noticed a huge difference in the prices being charged for certain training packages.  Would you say that there is an acceptable market price? Cheers guys.

[AnthonyB]

To some extent an acceptable price is what your client will pay! After all some companies pay £40 for an extinguisher, others £250!

It doesn't hurt to scan the market to get a cross spread of prices, worth the research. Don't forget to check what you get for your money, e.g. content, duration, practical use by instructor, practical for everyone, etc

[Chris Houston]

I am slightly apprehensive to offer my advice on this, as it is not really my area, but most of the schools I visit are a bit behind the times in terms of their training.  Maybe worth canvassing a few offering services.

[Simon Morriss]

The hole in the market would be something in the area of more then an marshal but less then a building manager.  Something to equip nominated people with enough information to set alarm bells ringing and then to go looking for the information.

School - I totally agree but price is all important there.  Not sure how you would be best to hit this one but it is certainly a good area to look at.

Simon