First Solutions Limited is very conscious of the need to develop and implement a number of safety courses. It also considers that these courses should have international accreditation where possible. For this reason it has joined forces with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) enabling FSL to expand the range of courses it can offer.

With UCLan FSL is currently finalising its Petroleum Fire and Safety Programme that will range from a foundation course through to a masters degree. In addition FSL/UCLan is developing foundation degrees to meet the needs and requirements of the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical industries. This programme will be in place for 2002. To date the programme has been conducted successfully in a number of countries.

UCLan is at the forefront of the United Kingdom Fire Engineering research and development and from this research and development the Petroleum Fire & Safety Programme was development in partnership with Delton Training services, a member of The Delton Group. UCLan are currently involved in a number of overseas programmes including U.K. Engineering Council and Hong Kong Institution of Engineers accredited BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering Degree for the people of Hong Kong.

Programme Outline
The programme is designed specifically for the oil and gas industry and is subdivided into the following four disciplines:

NG Operations
Offshore Operations
Refinery Operations
Marine and Pipeline Operations.

The levels of the Petroleum Fire and Safety Programme are:

i. Foundation Course
ii. Certificate of Higher Education*
iii. Diploma of Higher Education*
iv. Degree including Honours*
v. Masters Degree.

* Subject to validation 2001/02 academic year

Entry to any level can be made with the appropriate qualifications or approved prior experiential learning up to and including Diploma level.