55 replies to this topic

[ChesterPFX]

I read with interest the thread about the Skyburst training with BPA accreditation exams thrown in. I assume, reading between the lines that this training was laid on for future Skyburst firers who will need their BPA firers ID card.
Does anyone know if the BPA runs a course for people not employed by BPA member companies?
As far as I can see, unless the much talked about but never as yet seen national standard ie City & Guilds courses are set up, the only people in any sort of position to run these courses are the BPA, yet they don't seem to run anything for freelance firers.
Any ideas?

[The_Djinn]

Good point, best to e-mail or contact BPA direct. I am sure they will be willing to answer your question.

Mark

[Loci]

actually, although the course was organised by skyburst, its wasnt just skyburst personal that attended. Anyway, onthe exam sheet, you either mark that you are part of a company or freelance

if you have any questions, please email me on genius.loci@btopenworld.com

Fraser

[dr-pepper]

Hey new to the whole pyro thing over here but i was wondering wot age you have to be to do the training (i am assuming 18) and like where you can do it etc? Basically I fancy a career in pyrotechnics and stuff like that, you know for shows, concerts etc. And i just wanna know how to get started etc.

[ChesterPFX]

There are no 'official' qualifications as far as show fireworks go, the BPA levels 1-3 are for the foreseeable future, the industry recognised exams. In reality you will need to hook up with a pro display company, probably as a part timer to start with, then work up through the exams as your experience develops. I'm not sure how old you are but if you are young (ish) with no experience (I know, a real catch 22 situation here) you will find it hard to get a foot in. I was lucky; I come from a military background and now work in an explosives field (and am old in comparison to lot of people here )
The best tip I can give you is to be keen, but not too keen, if you get my drift. By virtue of the stuff we play with, people get a bit worried if you start stroking shells and giving them pet names

[SwissTony]

By virtue of the stuff we play with, people get a bit worried if you start stroking shells and giving them pet names   

Mines called shelly and shes a whole 5 inches

[Richard H]

Chester's words are very wise. It's how I started out and continue to do so. I am now involved with 2 fantastic firework companies.

[dr-pepper]

Now the next thing is, how do i find firework companies willing to take on sum1 wiv no experience in the South East region, also someone who is 17. I really wanna get the ball rolling on this but its just not happening yet i feel

[Richard H]

I'm afraid most if not all companies will not take on anyone who is under the age of 18. It would be best to spend the year making contacts, and then volunteer your services.

Try getting in contact with local companies and explain your interests, goals, ambitions and so on.

Also, please use a dictionary!

[adamw]

I really wanna get the ball rolling on this but its just not happening yet i feel

How long ago was it you decided you wanted to do pyro as a job?

Do you expect the companies to come looking, begging for an inexperienced person to work for them?

Like I said before, don't expect it to be smooth. Most likely you will encounter a lot of disapointment, frustration and expendature to get where you want to go.

[KingVinny]

I was lucky a few months back a firework display company in the South East of England did a small display for the school my mum works at. So I went along and talked to the guy while he was setting up and seeing my enthusiasm and knowledge of pyrotechnics (small comparative to a lot of people on this site but nevertheless) he seemed happy to let me, at some later date, come and do some work experience with the company he works for. I am also 17 and he said that I would be able to pretty much do anything except for actually light any fuses , however I would be able to set off electrically ignited fireworks. He said that on the whole you need to be at least 18 if not 21 to work for a company such as his but due to my enthusiasm and him reckoning that I was quite a responsible and careful person, not sure how I pulled that one off , he said it would be ok even though I'm only 17. So I would try to ask around for people that have friends or contacts within the pyrotechnic industry and try to get to talk to someone. If your lucky you may find yourself being offered some work experience or at least a point in the right direction.

[Flashy]

Is anybody going to attend the one day course with kimbolton on 14th of May? Or has anyone already been on a similar course and was it worth it? ?45 seems reasonable to me.

The Pdf with course details can be found on their site or throug this link

http://www.kimbolton...es/training.pdf

[ProfHawking]

Looks very interesting, i'd love to go. Prob is i dont know if i will be free on the 14th. I'll def try and find out soon if i'm around.
When do you think the deadline for booking will be?

[broadsword]

This is for CAT 3 training.
A while ago I ws looking into CAT 4 training, there was a company that gave you the chance to take the BPA firers exam.

Does anyone know anymore on this subject?
How did others get into the buisness?

I have contacted local companies, and my friends cousin owns a firework company and said he will take us on.
What qualifications/certificates will I need?

Edited by broadsword, 21 February 2005 - 11:26 PM.