What's involved

A fire protection installer works on a construction site or in domestic and commercial premises. The work can involve installing or applying different passive fire protection products and can be very varied.

Fire protection systems could include structural protection to the frame of a building, fire stopping to the compartmentation of a building and installation of fire resistant ducting. Other related work also includes the construction of fire resistant walls and ceiling linings and thermal and acoustic insulation.

Fire protection operatives often get the opportunity to travel around and sometimes work overseas.

Skills required

As a passive fire installer you'll need to be able to work at heights and be happy to work both indoors and outdoors.

Passive fire installation can also be quite physical so good fitness is important. You will also need to be precise, accurate and able to follow instructions from supervisors and managers.

As well as good numeracy skills and an eye for detail, you also need to be able to read plans, diagrams and fill in information sheets.

Qualifications required

There are no formal requirements although Maths and English Standard Grades would help.

Salary ranges

(This is a guide to the average salary a fully qualified and experienced person might expect to get.)

£15,000 - £25,000

Progression routes

Entry to the apprenticeship may be considered through the Association for Specialist Fire Protection www.asfp.org.uk.

Passive fire protection offers a good grounding for progression into technical, supervisory or management roles, or even to start up your own business. If you decide to progress into supervisory, design or management roles there are opportunities to study for:

• Technical, supervisory and  management SVQ qualifications (SCQF Levels 6 to11)
• HNC Construction or a number of other built environment HNC/HND qualifications (SCQF Levels 7 or 8)
• Degree level qualifications in a number of construction disciplines (SCQF Levels 9 to 12)