The first group undertaking hydrant systems training in
order to obtain their Victorian Building Authority registration has
now gone through, and already we are seeing some clear
benefits.
Feedback from students suggests that the training has helped to
reinforce their knowledge of critical and non-critical defects, and
allowed them to service hydrant systems more
effectively.
The findings support FPA Australia's view that ongoing training
and development is essential to ensure that practitioners remain
up-to-date with their skills and knowledge.
"It is easy to overlook key steps when carrying out servicing,
but such oversights could have significant implications for
clients," according to Chris Wyborn, National Manager, Training and
Bushfire Services.
"The training is reminding practitioners of their
responsibilities and ensuring that a focus on compliance is central
to the practice of routine service.
"It reinforces the importance of continuing professional
development for accredited practitioners, to brush up on existing
skills and to learn new techniques.
"New entrants have found the course to be
comprehensive, providing them with detailed knowledge and the
necessary skills to undertake the routine service of hydrant
systems competently .
"The workplace based learning model mirrors a traineeship,
demonstrating that targeted, high quality training specific to
roles such as routine service are an appropriate pathway to build a
competent industry."
Restricted registration requirements for practitioners come into
effect on 31 July, 2021, and all applicants must have completed
their training beforehand.
FPA Australia has launched training and assessment
pathways to help the fire protection industry to comply with the
VBA requirements.
However, given the lead time to complete training, submit
your application, and receive registration from the VBA, we
encourage everyone who needs to be registered or licensed to act
now.
If you have not submitted an enrolment before April 1, it is
highly likely that you will not be registered by the due
date.
Click
here to find out more.