Kentec and Fire Crest signal support for The Focus Training Group

The donation includes three Syncro AS fire panels and two Sigma XT extinguishant control panels (one two zone and one four zone).

Kentec Installation Partner Fire Crest has also donated detection devices and ancillary equipment, which together with the panels, enable fire systems apprentices to construct a full fire safety system in the classroom before testing their skills on-site.

Lloyd Bond, fire and security trainer assessor at The Focus Training Group, believes that relevant training is essential. Bond stated: “With these new Kentec control panels, we are giving the apprentices an important opportunity to practice in a controlled environment, building familiarity with a panel that’s widely used in the industry.”

Boyd added that such training measures help to attract young talent into the fire and security industry. “There’s a skills gap in the profession as people leaving school are often pushed towards the more general electrician route. Young people bring a great deal to businesses, especially so given their knowledge and understanding of technology, and so on that basis it’s important we support a pipeline of talent.”

Training “at the forefront”

Anthony Kent, fire and security manager at Fire Crest, agrees that it’s vital to bring more young people into the industry. “The industry is an ageing one,” observed Kent. “In Cornwall, many businesses are struggling to find new talent. That’s why it’s important to support this initiative.”

Kevin Swann, managing director of Kentec Electronics, informed Fire Safety Matters that The Focus Training Group deserves to be supported for the work it’s doing. “We are very pleased to help support such a commendable business,” enthused Swann. “It’s very much part of our own business ethos to ensure training is at the forefront of everything we do. From the training of our Installation Partners as part of our ongoing agreement with them so that they can provide the Best-in-Class expertise and support to their customers right through to the development and training of our own employees at Kentec, training is hugely important.”

Detail on the panels

Syncro AS is an analogue addressable fire control panel available in either one or two detection loops. It combines compact and practical styling with the programming power and connectivity normally associated with much larger systems. It can be expanded and networked to become part of much larger systems if the need arises, therefore providing a future-proof solution for any size of installation.

Sigma XT is an extinguishant releasing panel for all small-to-medium fixed firefighting installations. With three detection zones as standard, extinguishant release can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zones.