Building the Future of Fire & Security Through Apprenticeships
At Brunel Fire & Security, we believe in investing in the next generation of fire and security professionals. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, develop key technical skills, and build a long-term career in an exciting and ever-evolving industry. This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our talented apprentices, Finley Stenner and Corey Martin, who are making incredible strides in their careers with us.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship in Fire & Security?
For many young professionals, apprenticeships offer an alternative to traditional education, providing the opportunity to earn while you learn. The fire and security sector is essential in keeping people and businesses safe, and working in this field means developing expertise in cutting-edge technology, electrical systems, and compliance standards.
But what’s it really like to be an apprentice at Brunel Fire & Security? Let’s hear from Finley and Corey about their experiences so far.
Meet Our Apprentices: Finley & Corey’s Journeys
Finley Stenner – Apprentice Install Engineer
From Early Electrical Work to a Passion for Fire & Security
From a young age, Finley Stenner had a strong interest in electrical work, often helping his father, a local electrician, on weekends. His father introduced him to the fire and security industry, which piqued Finley’s curiosity and led him to seek out an apprenticeship.
“I found the tasks I was given very interesting, and after hearing about the opportunities in fire and security, I was keen to find an apprenticeship in this industry.”
After researching local companies, Finley came across Brunel Fire & Security and applied for an apprenticeship. Since joining, his role has evolved significantly, and he has had the opportunity to work across various projects, from maintenance tasks to larger installations.
Learning, Challenges, and Career Aspirations
One of Finley’s favourite aspects of his job is fault finding – the challenge of diagnosing and fixing technical issues keeps him engaged. Initially, adjusting to early mornings was difficult, but he has since adapted, appreciating the benefits of avoiding rush-hour traffic!
He has also developed crucial skills, gaining confidence in fault finding, system maintenance, and installation projects. Now that he has obtained his ECS card, he is working on larger installations and gaining more responsibilities. His goal? To become a fully qualified fire and security engineer, taking on projects from start to finish.
“My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who take the time to explain things and ensure I fully understand them. I can’t wait to hold my qualification and take on even more responsibility.”
Corey Martin – Apprentice Engineer
An Electrical Background with a Drive for Hands-On Learning
Corey came to the fire and security industry after completing a two-year Electrical NVQ. He wanted a site-based role that would allow him to develop his skills further, and Brunel Fire & Security, a well-regarded local company, felt like the perfect fit.
“I had heard really good things about Brunel from friends and family, so when the opportunity came up, I knew it was the right place for me.”
Variety, Problem-Solving, and Career Growth
One of the standout aspects of Corey’s apprenticeship is the variety of his day-to-day work. He spends time across the Service team, working on a range of systems, sites, and jobs. This exposure has helped him develop essential problem-solving skills, particularly when dealing with complex electrical systems.
A major challenge Corey faced was learning how to install and program video intercom systems. By shadowing a senior engineer, he gained the confidence and knowledge needed to complete installations independently.
His goal? To become a multi-disciplined engineer, with the option to move into small works and installation.
“I want to be able to install a complete system from scratch – that would be such an achievement.”
The Value of Apprenticeships in Fire & Security
Both Finley and Corey highlight the benefits of hands-on learning, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the ability to work on diverse projects. They also emphasise the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and taking initiative when looking for apprenticeship opportunities.
Corey offers some great advice for those considering an apprenticeship in fire and security:
“Don’t be afraid to send your CV and reach out to local companies. If you don’t put yourself out there, you’re limiting your opportunities. No harm, no foul!”
Finley agrees, adding that an apprenticeship in fire and security is never boring—each day brings new challenges and learning experiences.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship with Brunel Fire & Security?
At Brunel and the wider Obsequio Group, we believe in fostering the next generation of fire, security, water and compliance professionals. With a team of 400+ employees all over the UK, we all share the same core values – collaborative, enterprising, disciplined, and trusted. These values shape everything we do, and in return, we offer a clear career path, progression opportunities, work-life balance, competitive compensation, and a workplace that truly makes a difference.
Whether you’re fresh out of university or looking to gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship, we provide the training, support, and real-world opportunities to help you thrive. Compliance is more important than ever, and at Brunel, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking team helping businesses navigate complex regulations while driving innovation in our industry. If you’re looking to start your journey, explore our apprenticeship opportunities with us today.
