News / Apprenticeships
‘A road less travelled’ : From property development to firefighting
School leavers and apprenticeship schemes. Sounds like the perfect combination? But on the National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 – 16), employers and training providers are urging the public to reevaluate this perception.
Apprenticeships are often associated with school-leavers taking their first steps into the workforce, typically in roles linked to technical or engineering industries.
However, this perception is becoming increasingly outdated. Today, apprenticeships are not just for young people entering traditional sectors; they encompass a vast array of industries, with individuals of all ages using them as a stepping stone for career changes.
Meet Andy Dolman who shares his story with Bristol24/7 after taking the less travelled path of property maintenance to fighting fires with Avon Fire and Rescue service.
Andy Dolman who ran a property maintenance business successfully retrained as a fire fighter through an apprenticeship scheme – photo: Avon Fire & Rescue
Although Andy had been running a property maintenance business, he had long aspired to join the fire and rescue service. For years, he struggled to secure a full-time firefighter position, with openings being scarce due to the longevity of many firefighters’ careers.
Despite this challenge, Andy remained determined. He eventually succeeded in securing a part-time, on-call firefighter role with Avon Fire and Rescue, which ignited his passion for the profession.
In April 2022, a door opened for Andy to embark on a Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship. The two-year programme combined practical, on-the-job experience responding to incidents in Bristol with academic learning at Weston College.
For Andy, the combination of hands-on training and classroom study proved invaluable. He learned not only how to handle a variety of emergency scenarios but also how to maintain equipment and run the station effectively.
Additionally, he received training in the statutory responsibilities of a firefighter and developed critical skills for identifying individuals in need of support.
Reflecting on his experience, Andy acknowledges the challenges of balancing the demanding physical aspects of the job with academic requirements. However, despite completing his apprenticeship a year ago, he remains passionate about continuing to develop in his role.
“I really enjoy working for Avon Fire and Rescue Service,” Andy said. “There is always lots to do, but everyone is supportive, and there are constant opportunities for development.”
Andy tells that his story is a testament to the growing appeal of apprenticeships for individuals seeking a career change at any age.
He said: “On the job, I learnt a great deal about dealing with various scenarios and how to use the equipment on the fire appliance. I also gained hands-on experience running the station and maintaining all of our equipment.
“Apprenticeships are a vital way to support individuals in gaining the skills necessary to join emergency services such as the police and fire and rescue services,” said Kit Salt, head of assessment at SFJ Awards – photo: SFJ
“We also refined crucial interpersonal skills, such as identifying individuals in need of additional support and making appropriate referrals to partner agencies, reinforcing our role in safeguarding, community fire safety, and resilience.”
According to Kit Salt, head of assessment at SFJ Awards (part of The Workforce Development Trust – a charity headquartered in Bristol) apprenticeships are an effective way to build a skilled workforce for emergency services.
She said: “Apprenticeships are a vital way to support individuals in gaining the skills necessary to join emergency services such as the police and fire and rescue services.
“The skills developed during apprenticeships stay with individuals, helping them progress throughout their careers.”
It has been reported that nearly half of all apprentices are over the age of 25. For many, apprenticeships are not a means of starting a career, but rather a way to upskill or transition into a new profession.
“An apprenticeship is a platform for anyone, regardless of age, to develop the skills for the career they’ve always dreamed of,” Kit adds. “There are hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities available, and new programmes are being designed each year.”
With numerous apprenticeship roles and resources available, individuals interested in pursuing this career path, especially in the fire and rescue services, can find ample support.
Organisations such as SFJ Awards offer valuable insights from past apprentices, and Weston College frequently advertises apprenticeship opportunities.
Many organisations today recognise the value of a diverse workforce that spans a range of age groups, understanding that such diversity brings numerous advantages. One of the key benefits is the “lived experience” that individuals of different ages contribute.
This experience often provides a unique perspective on challenges, solutions, and ways of working that younger employees may not yet have encountered. As a result, organisations that embrace employees from various age groups benefit from a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and differing approaches to problem-solving.
For more information, visit www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk
Main photo: Avon Fire & Rescue
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