Capita’s Fire Service College opens AI-powered technology suite

While live incident training – including tackling real fires – will remain the cornerstone of training at the Fire Service College, the Immersive Skills Lab uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replicate hyper-realistic real fire scenarios, while eliminating the associated safety and environmental concerns.

In doing so, the new Immersive Skills Lab will allow the current and next generation of firefighters to develop and hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment wherein approaches to tackling fires can be finessed without real-world consequences.

The use of AI to deliver this advanced learning and training aligns with Capita’s strategy of integrating technology with people and processes to enhance experiences and outcomes for clients.

Expansion of focus

For 50 years now, the 300-acre site at Moreton-in-Marsh has served as the central fire training establishment in the UK, serving those in junior ranks positions all the way through to Chief Fire Officers, as well as supporting wider Emergency Services personnel and first responders.

Capita’s long-term strategic vision for the Fire Service College is for the site to expand its focus in order to support the UK’s resilience framework, address civil preparedness issues and support innovation.

Colleagues at the Fire Service College were honoured by the presence of Hr Royal Highness Princess Anne, who officially opened the Immersive Skills Lab. Indeed, the Fire Service College has a long and proud history of hosting members of The Royal Family, beginning back in 1974 when the late Queen Elizabeth II opened the establishment.

Enhancing digital capabilities

Clair Mowbray, director at the Fire Service College, said: “The opening of our new Immersive Skills Lab will enhance digital capabilities to ensure that learning and training remains world-leading at the Fire Service College.”

Mowbray added: “Firefighters at all levels of experience will be even better equipped to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to respond to a range of complex emergency situations and enhance their preparedness for high-risk incidents.”

David Hook CBE, managing director for defence and national preparedness at Capita, explained: “The sophisticated application of technology will grow in importance across Capita’s defence and national preparedness businesses. In common with Capita applying ‘virtual reality’ technology into its defence contracts, improving the quality and experience in training, the construction of this state-of-the-art Immersive Skills Lab will ensure that firefighters gain experience that better prepares them to respond to unpredictable challenges in real-world scenarios.”

Hook concluded: “We anticipate using the Immersive Technology Lab across Capita’s defence businesses in order to meet the complex and evolving needs of our clients.”

*Further information is available online at www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk