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Training and Development

Within the Personnel Department is a dedicated Training and Development Section which affords all uniformed personnel within the organisation to have the opportunity to achieve and maintain the highest levels of competency.  In order to assist in achieving this Tayside Fire and Rescue adopted the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS) framework.  The IPDS enables Fire and Rescue Services to train and develop their staff to meet the changing demands that face the service.  It also enables individuals to assess their development needs against a set of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and seek appropriate training and development opportunities.  Personnel joining Tayside Fire and Rescue will progress through a structured development programme, assessed against the (NOS) and seek appropriate training and development opportunities.  Personnel joining Tayside Fire and Rescue will progress through a structured development programme, assessed against the NOS, which will ultimately result in achieving an SVQ "Operations in the Community" Level 3 award.  Personnel working towards this award are supported by Assessors and Verifiers in the Training and Development department.  To support the development of Firefighters throughout their career, Tayside Fire and Rescue utilise a range of theoretical and practical training activities.  In order to provide a robust training and recording system Tayside Fire and Rescue use a range of web based systems such as the Firefighter Development Programme (FFDP screenshot), Learning and Content Management System (LCMS screenshot) and Personal Development Records (PDRpro screenshot).  Training, support, maintenance and administration of these sites is the responsibility of the Training and Development department in collaboration with the Scottish Fire Services College (SFSC) and representatives of all 8 Scottish Fire and Rescue Services.  Training and Development also supports the development of personnel at all roles through the Career and Contribution Management framework.

The Training and Development Centre is located at Perth Fire Station.  All aspects of training within Tayside Fire and Rescue can be carried out at this facility with the exception of practical water rescue training.  The facilities include two lecture theatres with computerised presentation systems, male and female changing facilities and an extensive Breathing Apparatus servicing area.  Further extensive training facilities exist at Station 1 (Blackness Road) - breathing apparatus training, Station 4 (Arbroath) - breathing apparatus and Station 2 Macalpine Road - urban search and rescue.

Our Fire Behaviour Training Unit allows Firefighters to train in more realistic 'hot' fire conditions and enables them to practice fire fighting, flame suppression and search techniques in a controlled and safe environment.  The building consists of two floors, a rooftop area, two flights of stairs, vertical ladders and two simulated fire scenarios designed for maximum flexibility in training delivery.  The fire scenario's are a kitchen involving a chip pan fire and a bedroom involving a bed fire, the latter having the added dimension of fire progression to "Flashover" conditions.

The Breathing Apparatus Training Block allows different scenarios to be developed to enhance search and rescue capabilities in a realistic smoke filled atmosphere.  This facility not only simulates fire situations but also allows for specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) shoring training to take place by simulating incidents involving collapsed structures.  Also attached to this block is also a 30m tower designed to simulate a high rise building where personnel can train in the use of our specialist Aerial Ladder Platform, appliance ladders and Work at Height equipment.  Additional Breathing Apparatus blocks are also situated at Arbroath and Dundee which allow for training delivery at a local level.

Within the confines of the site the Training and Development Centre, other areas include:

A small section of motorway which provides an excellent site for realistic Road Traffic Collision training where Firefighters practice rescue techniques involving the use of specialist hydraulic cutting gear, vehicle stabilisation equipment and glass management techniques while honing their advanced First Aid Skills.

In addition, this area allows for the ongoing fire appliance driver/operator training and testing within Tayside Fire and Rescue.

An Urban Search and Rescue tunnel area, which simulates limited access areas where Firefighters have to gain access using specialist concrete cutting and drilling equipment.  Casualty retrieval exercises in confined areas, where movement is severely restricted, can also be conducted.

A Silo which is used to teach specialist rescue techniques using Working at Heights equipment, which is designed to ensure the safety of personnel by preventing a fall or limiting the effects of a fall while working at height.

A Static Tank and associated pipe work which simulates an accidental petro-chemical release where environmental protection equipment can be deployed to contain and stem the flow of any spillage.  This can also be utilised for simulated confined space breathing apparatus exercises.