As part of NEC’s delivery of a new National Mobilising and Communication System (NMACS) for the Irish Fire Service the Public Safety training team became an integral part of the successful go-live of this new national platform that will be delivered from three regional Control Room locations, with two sites brought live in 2024 and 2025 and 1 more planned for 2026. 

Previously operating with three separate mobilising systems this project provided a single, centralised NMACS that will promote interoperability, resilience and mutual support. 

By breaking down the Training plan into four phases NEC’s team were able to ensure that the varied background and experience of operators was addressed and that the courses delivered focussed and structured content that suited all levels.  

1. A comprehensive Training Needs Analysis was undertaken that helped shape the training plan, content and, importantly, allowed the Service to programme courses around shift patterns and operational needs.
2. Whilst the NMACS team would be using systems that many UK Fire Services use it was important for our trainers to understand their local operational procedures as part of the Content Creation phase. Our team spent a long time, often after hours, working with the NMACS team to embed these practices into the training delivery.
3. The Course Delivery phase covered both user-level and administrative training for the NEC Vision and DS3000 systems for all users to coincide with the system roll out. The team need to ensure that every user in every shift received the training and also needed to remain flexible to reschedule courses due to emergency operations during the programme
4. As well as the formal training courses the NEC Trainers were key to the successful go-live of the systems proving invaluable Go-Live Support in the shape of floorwalkers and advisors ensuring that every shift in each regional centre was supported in the lead up to, during and in the days after the systems were deployed. 

Feedback from trainees has been amazing and not only illustrates the depth of expertise and knowledge that the team possesses but also their adaptability, flexibility and willingness to ensure that users build their confidence to operate the systems. 

• Committing to understanding working practices to make content relevant 
• Adapting course content to cater for different user backgrounds 
• Ensuring the courses were interactive and ‘hands-on’ practice  
• Providing reassurance and consistent approaches to training delivery 
• Delivering structured content that allows Training Officers to deliver ongoing training to new recruits 

The NEC Training team will work with NMACS to complete the training for the full system rollout and will work closely together to develop programmes for ongoing to support for system upgrades and refresher courses as applicable for the lifetime of the contract. 

Find out more 

If you would like to learn more about NEC’s user-led training services or how our Public Safety training team can support the successful mobilisation, adoption and long-term use of critical control room systems, please get in touch.

Our experienced trainers work closely with customers to understand local operational practices, design tailored training programmes and provide flexible support through go-live and beyond. From initial training needs analysis to ongoing refresher training and system upgrades, NEC is committed to building confidence, capability and resilience for the lifetime of the contract.

Find out more about our Public Safety training services.