FDM hails record-breaking year as fire door training demand surges

FDM – Training & Development (FDM by UAP Ltd) is celebrating a landmark year of growth and operation with national recognition across construction, glazing and fenestration. Highlights include the launch of two new GQA Level 3 Diplomas, sector-wide convening on fire door competence chaired by FDM Managing Director Nicola John, with Dame Judith Hackitt appearing as a guest speaker, and the announcement of a second training academy in partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), opening January 2026. 

FDM’s year closes with three major award wins including Fire Solution of the Year at the 2025 London Construction Awards, Training and Development Initiative of the Year at the G25 Awards, and Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards. Together, they reflect cross-industry momentum for practical, competency-led training that improves safety outcomes.

Beyond awards, FDM has taken a leadership role in standards and skills development. It convened a national roundtable on fire door competence chaired by Nicola John. Dame Judith Hackitt attended as a guest speaker and contributed to the foreword to FDM’s subsequent report, which described the organisation as “an exemplar of good practice”. The discussion focused on translating the Building Safety Act’s intent into day-to-day behaviours across the entire fire door lifecycle.

FDM also launched the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets, both developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and the National Skills Centre. The Inspection diploma is a 65-credit qualification comprising 12 units and 313 guided learning hours, certifying individuals to carry out non-invasive inspections with clear emphasis on legislative compliance and practical assessment in live or simulated environments. The Installation diploma comprises 11 core units, four optional units and 226 guided learning hours, certifying installers as competent to install fire resistant doorsets in line with current legislation and best practise.

Extending access to high-quality training nationwide, FDM has partnered with the FPA to open a satellite academy at the FPA’s site in Banbury, Oxfordshire from January 2026. The site will host a selection of FDM’s specialist courses including Responsible Persons, Fire Door Procurement, Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Awareness, with FDM also delivering its Level 3 Diploma under licence at the facility. The partnership will see reciprocal delivery between Bury and Banbury to widen pathways into competence.

Launched in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on training academy dedicated solely to fire doors, FDM has trained more than 1,200 professionals in 18 months and holds GQA accreditation and CITB approval. Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM – Training & Development, said: “The industry is backing what matters: practical competence that keeps people safe. From regulators to contractors, there has been a clear momentum this year behind skills, accountability and confidence across the fire door sector. We’ll continue working with partners to turn regulatory intent into consistent, on-site practice.”

Looking ahead to 2026, FDM will continue to expand its national footprint and portfolio of vocational qualifications to meet evolving regulatory and industry requirements.