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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Anon. on June 16, 2005, 04:58:41 PM

Title: Cpd
Post by: Anon. on June 16, 2005, 04:58:41 PM: I am a serving operational firefighter and have just completed a MSc in Fire Engineering. I am now looking to continue my self development by attending any seminars / courses / info days that are in the Scottish area. Preferably these would be free as having just finished a self funded MSc has left the piggy bank rather empty (its not because I am a stereotypical Scot - honest!! :-)).

Can anyone advise of any such courses.

I am currently shadowing FSO's within my brigade where time permits and I am hoping to look over the shoulder of a few of you experienced Fire Engineers to understand how the theoretical relates to the practical.

Any guidance would be appreciated.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 16, 2005, 09:25:32 PM: Gary, Can the brigade not put you on anything, such as the odd course at Gullane or similar?
Title: Cpd
Post by: Anon. on June 17, 2005, 10:00:39 AM: I have tried the route of additional FS courses at Gullane or even down to the sunnier climate of Moreton. Course allocation is always tight therefore no slack in such a small brigade.

I have looked at self financing these courses in particular to give me a more complete set so to speak, but off the back of the MSc - even my understanding wife won't allow it!!.

Any other suggestions Colin?.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Anon. on June 17, 2005, 11:09:40 AM: I suppose upon analysis that the Fire Service don't see a future for an academically qualified Fire Engineer!! :-)
Title: Cpd
Post by: dave bev on June 17, 2005, 11:45:25 AM: gary, the fbu provides assistance for some further education 'needs', and not just for political issues. we may be able to help - you will need to speak to the regional education officer (if youre a member of course) - any probs let me know

dave bev
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 17, 2005, 09:58:44 PM: Gary, There you go, uncle davey will sort you out. You will have to promise to become a rabbid commie, but hey its worth it to get some of your dues back. Not sure I have any other bright ideas, but I will bear you in mind if anything comes to mind. What subject areas did you have in mind. By the way, just being nosey, when you say a small briagde which one is it.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Anon. on June 18, 2005, 02:36:27 PM: Thanks Dave. I have tried the FBU on numerous occasions even taking it to national level but with no success. The only areas that were suugested were courses that would benefit the FBU and the membership which doesn't come into the categories that I am looking at. If you think differently I would be grateful for your opinion on the subject areas listed within the next paragraph.

Colin I am interested in a range of topics and wouldn't immediately dismiss any area without consideration. I am particularly interested in Fire Risk Assessment; areas relating to provision of fire engineered solutions for buildings; the interpretation of functional standards in Scotland and any topics relating to fire alarms, emergency lighting etc.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 18, 2005, 02:50:59 PM: I can think of several but difficult to arrnage for free.
Title: Cpd
Post by: dave bev on June 19, 2005, 12:34:37 PM: gary, can you cotact me direct on oncs@fbu.org.uk please.

who did it go to at national level? what specific courses were you looking at? things have changed 'a bit' though obviously 'pounds of flesh' (or are we in kilo's?) will still be expected, after all it is the members money and we would need to be able to demonstrate a benefit. there are other numerous options which we could discuss aswell

dave bev
Title: Cpd
Post by: Brian Catton on June 19, 2005, 07:27:15 PM: Gary,

It is a pity you did not master in Sociology or geology or have a diploma in management. With these qualifications you may have become a Chief Fire officer.However with such an obscure unrelated subject as Fire Engineering it will be difficult. You could look in the direction of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service as I understand they are more flexible in their approach to competency at that level. As an OOT member of the FBU I would recommend that you consider their assistance, but when you receive the advice be careful to do a risk assessment before you apply it to your service as not all service managers are willing to adopt the same approach as the FBU.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 19, 2005, 11:33:21 PM: Brian, All service managers do not want to bring down the government, destroy democracy and bring impoverishment to the workers?????????? I think all he has to do is have a sex change operation and he has it cracked. Perhaps the FBU would pay for his operation.
Title: Cpd
Post by: martyn brandrick on June 20, 2005, 09:22:47 AM: Lets not be to hard on the guest. A worthwhile degree that coupled together with some fire safety would be a benifit to any FRS. As your brigade is running on a tight budget my advice is to keep digging, self finance would be expensive but can be done. Look to the FBU and your BTO for funds then put a business case to your Fmst stating the objectives for you and your brigade. If there is no places at Gullane try the FSAED route at Moreton. I sugest the engineering courses. FSAED 9 to 11. These deal with engineered solutions, sprinks and smoke. Get back if you have any problems.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 22, 2005, 01:34:27 AM: I agree. You might have to work hard to convince some brigades, although happily that is changing, and the degree he has will mostly be valued as it should be.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Graeme on June 23, 2005, 10:23:43 PM: Quote from: colin todd
. By the way, just being nosey, when you say a small briagde which one is it.

Could be Trumpton.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 25, 2005, 12:57:09 AM: I always liked Fireman Sam. he seemed a nice sort of chap to me.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Graeme on June 25, 2005, 04:08:22 PM: Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb are all drinking buddies of his i believe.
How ever Captain Flack does not go out with them as he is always on duty.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 25, 2005, 04:31:53 PM: Typical senior officer graeme, that flack chap. No fun.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Brian Catton on June 25, 2005, 08:14:58 PM: By the way Graeme there was only one Pugh. There was however a Hugh. Never watched it myself as they never put the jacks down when raising the HP. (not sauce Colin, a Hydraulic Platform) They did seem to do a lot of Special Services involving cats and the Town Hall clock. I hope they charged for them.
Title: Cpd
Post by: colin todd on June 25, 2005, 09:49:07 PM: Of course I suppose he is firefighter Sam now, and has progressed through the ranks to at least a station officer or with rank to role a .....goodness only knows what its all beyond me. And he probably would not turn out for the town hall clock. Nowadays one cant be sure that they will turn out to fires.
Title: Cpd
Post by: Graeme on June 25, 2005, 10:00:20 PM: Brian take a look this website. http://www.eh.org/evans/trumptmp.htm

I had to look it up as i am too young to remember it when it was showing on tv(honest)
Title: Cpd
Post by: Brian Catton on June 26, 2005, 12:05:48 AM: Well, I live and learn. Two Pughs, That goes to show I didn't listen to the words very well. I hope they weren't related bad news that on the same pump. There speaks a man whose father brother, two uncles and a cousin served with him at the same time. Thanks for that Graeme. Now what is CPD???