AICO Alarms Mobile Training Event at West London College

AICO came to West London College’s construction department today, 5 October, to train 110 students in the standards and regulations relating to fire and carbon monoxide alarms. Arriving in their mobile training unit, a huge converted lorry, Alexandra Pop-Hristic, a former West London College student, led workshops throughout the day.

The training trailer of the lorry was converted to a stylish white room with display boards to demonstrate the alarms, two TV screens for the presentations with comfortable benches and chairs. Coloured lights behind the fixtures and fittings faded in and out of one another from mauve to cerise to emerald green. 

As well as a free copy of the installers handbook and pen that also turned into a screwdriver, students will receive a certificate accrediting them with completion of AICO’s core module. They can also log onto the AICO website to complete 10 hours of core professional development (CPD) a year, as well as take part in quizzes and competitions, potentially winning Amazon and Greg’s vouchers.

Joshua Mandeng, Tommy John and Ebony Fletcher are all Electrical Installation Level 1 students who attended the workshop.

Joshua said: “I gained a deeper understanding of the systems and what it takes to make them work. It adds to my electrical knowledge and wider understanding of issues in construction.”

His classmate Tommy said: “I’d love to get my hands on the units in a practical and take them apart and try to rewire them.”

Ebony said: “I enjoyed learning about the official classifications and specifications for the alarms, which helped me understand the whole area a lot more.”

AICO is the market leader for fire and carbon monoxide alarms, working alongside social landlords, such as councils and housing associations.

For deaf and hard-of-hearing people there are alarms with flashing lights, which also vibrate. 

ICO Trainer, Alexandra Pop-Hristic said: “AICO believes it’s really important to get out to meet students who are training to be installers as they are the future of our industry.”

Barry Prince, Electrical Installations teacher said: “Events like today broaden the horizons of our students, giving them additional specialisms and improve their job prospects.”