About Us
Fire Industry Academy is the fire protection industry’s new home for training, skills recognition and professional development.
Whilst we might be new, our foundations are linked to Adair Evacuation Consultants, Australia’s leading provider of emergency response training for over 30 years.
FIA was created to provide fire industry professionals with quality training and support to raise the skills and knowledge across the fire industry.
We are dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of the fire protection industry and supporting businesses mitigate risk and increase competitiveness by investing in the competency of their workforce.
Our vision is to offer quality training at affordable prices, tailored to the needs of business and students. We are committed to providing our clients with the level of service they expect.
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF TRAINING FOR THE FIRE INDUSTRY
Fire Industry Academy is a Registered Training Organisation providing nationally recognised and accredited training in addition to non-accredited training and professional development opportunities.
Our team of highly skilled fire industry practitioners are continuously developing and expanding our range of training courses to meet industry requirements aligned with licensing and FPAS accreditation.
Initially focussing on routine service (inspect and test) and fire safety assessment training, our development pipeline includes fire systems design and fire systems certification courses as well as bushfire specific training courses.
FIRE INDUSTRY ACADEMY TEAM
Craig Watkins
Managing Director
Craig joined Adair in 2005 after serving in the Australian Defence Force for 10 years in an emergency services, paramedical role. Craig served in various roles and positions throughout his Army service, which included several operational or international deployments to East Timor, Malaysia and Iraq as well as serving in most states in Australia.
Craig originally joined Adair as a training consultant and has since expanded his knowledge through extensive in-house training and experience to progress to the position of Senior Consultant, Portfolio Manager and then ultimately assuming the role of General Manager.
Craig has brought much operational, training and emergency service experience to the organisation, which has complemented its strong background in Fire Industry Training.
Chris Wyborn
National Training Director
Chris Wyborn is a fire industry specialist with over 30 years experience in firefighting, fire safety and fire protection roles across government, private sector and industry associations. Chris holds post-graduate qualifications in bushfire protection and fire safety as well as qualifications in firefighting operations and fire technology.
Passionate about developing and recognising skills, knowledge and experience, Chris is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals achieve recognition and build professionalism. As a firefighter, Chris has first-hand experience of loss and devastation resulting from fire protection system failure.
Chris joins Fire Industry Academy after 10 years with Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPAA) where he was responsible for influencing, shaping and implementing accreditation, licensing and training initiatives for the fire industry.
Chris led the development and review of fire industry qualifications and training requirements as a member of the federal government national training committee.
Chris developed the national skills framework for the fire industry and worked closely with the ABCB to develop a framework for national fire protection licensing. He has played a pivotal role in developing and influencing the review of licensing and accreditation requirements in all states and territories.
He successfully implemented the FPAS (Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme) in New South Wales and led the development and implementation of bushfire accreditation and training across Australia.
In the ever changing and complex world of licensing and accreditation, Chris is one of the leading experts in the country when it comes to understanding and applying the multitude of systems across all states and territories.
Chris’ expertise, passion and dedication will greatly benefit FIA’s customers and further demonstrates our commitment to supporting clients meet their training, accreditation, and professional development needs.
