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Fire protection installer

A fire protection installer has an important role in ensuring buildings are insulated and structurally protected from fire risk. This can include the installation of protective frames, fire-resistant walls and ceilings, and applying fire resistant treatments, particularly on heritage buildings.

Average salary*

£25000

-

£40000

Typical hours per week

40-42

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.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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.

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

Qualifications

To become a Fire Protection Installer, you could complete a:

  • Level 2 Associated Industry Services - Passive Fire Protection
  • Level 3 Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician
  • Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB

To become a Fire Protection Installer, you could complete a:

  • SCQF Level 6 in Electronic Fire & Security Systems
  • Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (SVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB

To become a Fire Protection Installer, you could complete a:

  • Level 3 Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician
  • Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) - an 18-month long new entrant training programme. The programmes lead to a vocational qualification (NVQ) and are considered by trade associations and employers as 'sector apprenticeships'. SAP - CITB

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 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 earn £25,000 - £30,000
  • Trained fire protection installers with some experience can earn £30,000 - £40,000
  • Senior fire protection installers can earn in excess of £40,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Vacancies

Check out the latest fire protection installer vacancies:

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a fire protection installer, you could become a team leader or estimator, or set up your own installation business.

You could also transfer your skills to another installation role, such as a cavity insulation installer.

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