CFA launched the new instructor helmets in May this year for volunteers who hold formal training and assessment qualifications.
The blue helmets help easily identify volunteer instructors on the training ground, recognising their formal qualifications as trainers and assessors and their important contribution to CFA.
Bacchus Marsh captain Ryan O’Shannessy (pictured below) and Sebastopol captain Steve Burgess were presented with their helmets this week.
A volunteer instructor since 2008 and endorsed PAD instructor, Ryan is passionate about recognition of the role. He said the issuing of the blue helmets and the use of Instructor to identify volunteer Trainer and Assessors was a great change within CFA.
“This is a practical outcome of the AFAC Review into CFA Training and an important investment in the future of the volunteer instructor cohort,” Ryan said.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the work of the AFAC Review Governance Working Group who collated these recommendations and put forward realistic submission to make the theory a reality.
“I was also part of a team that suggested the introduction of Instructor conferences, and it was great to attend one at Central Highlands recently to share ideas, discuss processes as well as network with other instructors and CFA staff.
“Being an instructor is about passing on knowledge and supporting the development of members so they can effectively support their communities in times of emergency,” Ryan added.
“For me, it’s also an incredible learning experience, and I take what I’ve learned as an instructor into my operational firefighting role and even into my professional life.”
DCO Operational Doctrine and Training (ODT) Rohan Luke said one of the Training team’s key goals was to provide greater support for the members in this pivotal role.
“The training our instructor cohort delivers is of a very high standard and quality, and we need to support and develop them so we continue to meet the needs of our members, brigades and communities,” Rohan said.
“The change of title and the rollout of the new helmets, funded by ODT, is an important outcome of the AFAC Review and helps acknowledge the work our instructors do and their role on the training ground.
"The finalisation of this project and distribution of the helmets also acknowledges some great work between ODT, our Joint Training Committee and the AFAC Working Group.”
Members who believe they are eligible to receive an instructor helmet can request one by scanning the QR code below and completing the request form. To qualify, instructors need to be actively delivering accredited courses and have obtained one of the following qualifications:
- TAE40110 + TAEASS502 + TAELLN411
- Diploma or above qualification in vocational education