Fire Service College launches new Aviation Firefighter Programme with London Oxford Airport confirmed as first customer

Capita’s Fire Service College has launched its new Aviation Firefighter Programme in a significant investment in the College’s offering to civil aviation training.

The new programme will offer world-class eLearning alongside practical aviation firefighting training at the College’s 300-acre site in Moreton-in-Marsh, aligning with Category 6 airport standards. Trainees will use the College’s new custom-designed Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training rig and the latest virtual and augmented technology solutions to provide an as realistic as possible training environment.

Aviation firefighters will be able to complete their continued professional development through the online and practical training offer, keeping up with current legislation and best practice standards.

The College today announces that it has secured its first client for the Aviation Firefighter Programme, signing a four-year contract with London Oxford Airport to deliver bespoke and adaptable civil aviation firefighter training.

Dominik Wellmann, Managing Director of the Fire Service College, said: “We are really excited to launch our new Aviation Firefighter Programme, which we believe offers significant potential for growth for the College.

“We have an outstanding record of delivery in firefighter training for local fire services in the UK, defence and internationally, and are now proud to be able to expand these services to include civil aviation.

“London Oxford Airport will be the first to benefit from this bespoke training package, which will offer continued support to ensure the airport’s firefighters are effectively trained, compliant and able to upskill as required.”

Richard Oakes, Fire Service Manager of London Oxford Airport, added: “We are really excited to be joining a partnership with the Fire Service College, ensuring our firefighters are given the best possible training available in the country through an enhanced software, multiplatform provision for theory elements and the supreme hot fire training facilities, which will provide realistic representation of the risk faced by my team whilst delivering a seamless transition of our statutory maintenance of competence.

“Through collaboration with Oxford Fire Service team, the Fire Service College training and IT professionals, the partnership have a training programme built to platinum standard. Specifically tailored to meet the needs and relevance’s of London Oxford Airport, this provides real enhancement to the safety of our firefighters, and continuous improvement of our service provision for customers and business partners.”