Recently the media has been flooded by articles relating to PSiRA and SETA certified training. SANS regulations dictate how installations of fire detection systems should be carried out. Preservation of life is governed by the OSH Act. These two criteria dictate that fire detection installers must be competent and therefore it is important to have certified courses available which are aligned with the requirements of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
In terms of section 23(3) of the PSiRA Act, all natural persons applying for registration must meet minimum training requirements in order to register for these courses. PSiRA comments that the new updated standards will better the industry.
Terry Henderson from White Rose Training and Development Institute says the company is the only accredited company that has SASSETA approved training, recognised by the QCTO, offering specific unit standards within which recognition for fire detection is given. The company is therefore the only one able to give a NQF-based training which can lead to a certificate of achievement being awarded by SASSETA. The SASSETA learner achievement certificate or statement of results, were gazette by PSiRA as a requirement before an individual can be registered as a security (fire) service provider.
All other companies that carry out fire detection training can only give a certificate of attendance or of competence on their products or training. This does not meet the requirements of PSiRA.
Henderson adds that no-one will be excluded from joining the fire detection industry as long as they get certified. Additionally, because the training is SAQA/SASSETA/QCTO accredited, companies can claim back a large majority of the training fees as determined by the skills levies act.
According to the Department of Labour, anybody installing or maintaining fire detection systems have to be registered. All these ‘technicians’ also have to prove competency. In addition to fire detection installation and maintenance training, White Rose can offer SASSETA certified RPL testing (Recognition of Prior Learning) for the existing fire detection industry participants which will prove competency against the relevant Fire Unit Standards. Once completed, the SASSETA learner achievement certificate or statement of results will be accepted by PSiRA as a requirement before an individual can be registered as a security (fire) service provider. All of this training will go a long way to ensuring the uplifting of the industry and compliance to National Regulations.
According to Henderson, White Rose opens up a whole new world for the learner by not only providing them with NQF-based training but also providing them with updates on regulations and new products which ensure they are kept abreast of skills and latest technologies.
He says that White Rose has the sole objective of ensuring competent and professional fire detection technicians are put into the industry with the correct national qualifications. This will uplift the industry and be in the interest of preservation of life and property thereby adding value to all South African citizens and visitors to our country.
Learners who attend and complete the White Rose courses are able to carry a National Certification which stands them in good stead for their working life anywhere in South Africa.
For more information contact Terry Henderson, White Rose Training and Development Institute, +27 (0)83 402 4002, [email protected]
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