Fire Protection Installer

What does a fire protection installer do?

As a fire protection installer, you will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of fire protection systems.

The role of a fire protection installer involves the following duties: 

• Installing structural protection to the frame of a building, such as dry cladding, mineral sprays or intumescents
• Constructing fire resistant walls and ceiling linings
• Installing thermal and acoustic insulation, fire seals, cavity barriers and fire-resistant ducting
• Using access equipment such as ladders
• Following technical drawings and plans
• Adhering to strict health and safety guidelines.

How to become a fire protection installer

There are several routes to becoming a fire protection installer. You could do an apprenticeship, complete a training course, on-the-job training, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

To become a fire protection installer you could complete a training course offered by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection in the form of an NVQ.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship to become a fire protection installer. The Passive Fire Protection apprenticeship scheme takes 18 months to complete and leads to an NVQ Level 2 in Passive Fire Protection. Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll be qualified to operate specialist equipment and apply or install fire protection materials.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some previous experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain on-site experience as a fire protection installer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced fire protection installer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a fire protection installer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a fire protection installer include: 

• Ability to follow technical drawings
• Ability to use your initiative
• Knowledge of buildings and construction
• Good level of physical fitness
• Confidence to work at height

How much could you earn as a fire protection installer?

The expected salary for a fire protection installer varies as you become more experienced.

 • Newly trained fire protection installers can start at £23,000

 • Trained with experience fire protection installers can earn up to £51,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources