NEWS
Openings - David Hynes , MD of TFS . The firm has opened its own training centre in Middlesbrough .
Fire and security experts create training centre in the heart of Teesside
The heat on decided
PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH is
Finding new recruits with the right skill set is an increasing challenge for businesses across the region – but bosses at TFS believe they have the solution .
With demand for its services rocketing , the Middlesbrough firm is actively creating its own future workforce with the opening of its own training centre at its HQ on Riverside Park .
It ’ s a policy managing director David Hynes believes can secure the firm ’ s ongoing growth plans as it wins an increasingly diverse range of prestigious contracts .
Countless cameras and sensors are protecting the region ’ s infrastructure from theft , damage and fire , whether that ’ s on an ancient sailing boat , in a classic theatre or with new sustainable energy equipment . Increasingly , businesses want to safeguard their assets and be alerted instantly when they come under threat .
For almost 30 years , TFS has been doing just that and has become so successful at the installation and maintenance of security , fire safety and emergency lighting systems that it was finding it a challenge to find sufficient numbers of skilled professionals to meet business demand .
But the opening of its own training centre to prepare the next generation of experts is already proving a success as the firm looks to add to a workforce that ’ s already more than 40-strong .
“ We have just employed another couple of engineers and take on four apprentices a year ,” says David with understandable pride .
“ We have taken on five T-Level students from Middlesbrough College so they can see what the industry is like and , if they like it , go on to an apprenticeship .
“ We are speaking with colleges to give students an insight into the sort of careers and salaries they can secure .”
For those who join TFS , David promises a diverse range of in-house and on-the-job training to ensure they become part of the firm ’ s skilled future workforce .
He says : “ Our in-house training will see them working in our workshops for two weeks , familiarising themselves with the systems and then on the job shadowing our engineers .
“ If they join us , they could find themselves working on a large-scale project on the same site for eight months or on four different sites in a single day – there are so many different elements to what we do .”
Little did the young David realise how business would rocket as he made leaflet drops around the former Ayresome Park area for his father Kevin , who founded the business in 1996 .
“ Security is a real growth area because of factors such as a reduced police presence and we are getting jobs around this region and the rest of the country , including London , Birmingham , Shrewsbury and Edinburgh ,” says David .
“ Also , fire regulations have become really stringent since the Grenfell fire disaster . If people train with us , they can
As demand for services increases exponentially , a Teesside fire systems and security business has to train the next generation of skilled staff
obtain a Level 3 qualification , which means they can really push on with their careers .”
TFS has secured work until 2027 , with a diverse range of projects ranging from fire sensors in hospital theatres and fire and security alarms , access control and CCTV for school trusts to monitoring equipment for car parks and systems for housing associations , councils and construction developments .
In the past , notable TFS schemes have included installing a wireless fire alarm system on the HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool , a sailing ship more than 200 years old , fully restored and the centrepiece of the National Museum of the Royal Navy .
TFS was subsequently awarded the design , installation and commission of the Hartlepool Maritime Museum next door .
Another landmark project was the design and installation of the fire and security systems for the refurbished Stockton Globe . Fire and intruder alarms , access control , CCTV and PA systems were fitted to the historic theatre .
“ We are always proud to work on such historic and locally revered buildings ,” David reflects .
“ But we need a steady flow of skilled professionals to ensure we continue to win such prestigious contracts , so the training centre is crucial to our future . I can certainly recommend it as a career .”
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