My First Six Months as a Fire Engineer Apprentice
By: Faith Ojomo, Apprentice
Time has certainly flown by, it’s hard to believe that six months have passed since I began my apprenticeship with Design Fire Consultants (DFC). After finishing my A-levels, I joined DFC’s apprenticeship programme and am currently studying for a degree in fire safety engineering at the University of Lancashire (UoL). This Degree Apprenticeship programme, in collaboration with the UoL, offers me the opportunity to balance my academic studies with hands-on in-office experience and I’m learning something new every day.
Over the past six months, I’ve come to truly appreciate just how valuable a fire engineering apprenticeship can be, not just as a stepping stone but as a solid foundation for a long-term career. For me, choosing the apprenticeship route over a traditional university degree was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What sets this path apart is the opportunity to learn while doing. From day one, I’ve been immersed in real projects, shadowing experienced engineers and contributing to project work. It’s one thing to learn about flame spread theory in a classroom; but it’s another thing entirely to put that knowledge into practice. Whether it’s writing PAS assessments, witnessing how designs come to life through various RIBA stages or grasping the ‘why’ behind every decision made. That kind of learning sticks with you and makes all the difference in understanding the profession.
What has surprised me the most is the level of responsibility and trust I’ve been given right from the start. Fire engineering is a safety-critical profession and being part of a team that works to safeguard lives and property adds a real sense of purpose to what I do. The support from my team at DFC has been invaluable, making it easier to manage the challenges of studying while gaining practical experience. My colleagues are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in my development, creating a friendly learning atmosphere.
One of the highlights of my first six months was witnessing cause-and-effect testing at The Goods Yard project in Stoke-on-Trent. This project involves the redevelopment of a former industrial site that sits alongside a disused canalside. Arranged over four buildings, it features a nine-storey residential block, an office block, and a heritage building that is set to become a vibrant mixed-use destination. This site visit was my first experience with witness testing and it was an excellent introduction to the process. Everything ran smoothly on the day, allowing us to thoroughly check and test all the intended systems with minimal hiccups and delays. It was a great opportunity to see our design work put into practice and to understand how planning, communication, and coordination come together on-site.
When I first started my apprenticeship, I had a basic understanding of fire safety and engineering but I quickly realised just how deep and complex the field really is. The learning curve was steep at times but that challenge has driven me to develop faster than I ever expected.
One of the biggest shifts for me has been in how I think about fire safety. I used to think of it mostly in terms of alarms, extinguishers and evacuation plans. Now, I see the bigger picture – how fire strategy is integrated into the very fabric of a building, how crucial passive fire protection is, and how much responsibility engineers carry in making sure areas are not just functional but fundamentally safe. It’s changed how I look at the built environment altogether.
Professionally, I feel like I’m no longer just observing the work but I’m actively contributing to it. Whether it’s helping with fire strategy reports, attending site visits, or delving into the technical standards that guide what we do, I can truly see clear progress in my knowledge and skills advancing. This sense of progression has made me even more excited about where this career can take me.
On the lighter note, the social side of DFC has been a fantastic aspect of my apprenticeship so far. Early on, I attended the new starters’ event, which was a great way to meet other newcomers and start building connections across different teams. It really helped me feel like a part of the company from the very beginning. The Christmas party was another highlight, allowing me to spend time with colleagues I don’t usually work with. It has really broadened my understanding of the wider team and made me feel even more integrated. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming annual summer event at the Hazlewood Castle.
Completing my first year will be a significant milestone and I’m eager to continue learning and growing here at DFC. I’m particularly looking forward to getting involved in new projects and exploring our new office location in Birmingham.
- Posted by Design Fire Consultant
- On 11th June 2025
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