All of our training team are highly motivated, front line emergency service workers. With a wealth of practical, hands-on experience of real life situations, you can be sure you’re getting the very best, up to the minute and most realistic advice available.

• Shaun Jackaman - Managing Director

  My name is Shaun Jackaman and I am the managing director of Alpha Training Safety Solutions Limited.
  
  I have over 17 years Fire and Rescue Service operational experience and currently work in the specialist operations training team, leading on subjects such as Breathing Apparatus, Compartment Fire Behaviour training, Specialist Road Traffic Collision and Trauma Care.
  
  I enjoy the challenges that the Fire Service and Alpha Training bring, and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated and professional colleagues and friends. When I am not working, I enjoy spending valuable time with my family, Titch (the cat who thinks he is a dog) and Angus our Australian Labradoodle puppy.

  
• Shaun Harris

  I am currently employed full time with London Fire Brigade as a fire fighter I also work as a retained fire fighter in Fareham for Hampshire Fire & Rescue which I have done for the past 13 years.  Part of my duties include being part of “MIRG”, this is a team who get flown out to ships on fire in UK waters, a great job.
  
  I get to fly in a helicopter, go through escape procedures in a dunk tank, learn sea survival techniques and winched on and off ships.
  
  I also get to spend time being trained by HM Navy on how to fight ship fires down at flag ship in Portsmouth. ‘too much water and its steam burns or the worst case is the ship sinks and it’s a long old swim home!’
  
  In my role as a fire fighter I have had to use the first aid skills I’ve obtained on many occasions, so when an opportunity to teach came up I jumped to it.  I always say to my students that you just don’t know when you will need first aid but if and when you do it’s a comfort to know it’s there at your finger tips. I know that it does make a difference as I saved my sons life by performing back slaps after he swallowed a “gob stopper” at the age of 3!!!
  If I had not bothered to take the chance of being a first aider at work back then things might be different now.
  
  When I’m not teaching or at work you can find me down on the beach in my shorts and crocs walking the dog and exercising the kids, as detailed by the boss.
  As we know the boss is always right!!
  

  
• Simon Petts

  I have worked within operational Fire and Rescue services for the past twenty five years, covering risks ranging from nuclear submarine bases to major international airports, & nearly everything in between. My career has allowed me to develop as I've progressed through the rank structure to a point where I now hold a wide range of Instructional, Assessor and Verifier qualifications.
  
  I successfully undertook the FPA European Diploma in Fire Protection which involved two years of intensive study and modular work and culminated in a final written exam at the FPA's London HQ. Following on from this I'm currently in the early stages of the emergency planning college's (EPC) Post Graduate Certificate in emergency planning.
  
  I have been working as a freelance trainer for Alpha Training Safety Solutions limited for approx eight years, it's been an enjoyable experience for me getting out and meeting people I would not normally get to work with & learning something of their industry. I hold both Trauma & Fire related qualifications which allow me to teach most of the courses offered by the company.
  
  In the limited spare time I play Golf badly but Rugby quite well still.

  
• Chris Knowles

  I am currently employed as a Watch Manager within Gatwick Airport Fire & Rescue Service.
  
  I have been at Gatwick for 22 years now and during the early years was also a retained Firefighter at Worthing in Sussex.  This was where I first met Shaun Jackaman and he, with his overwhelming gift of the gab convinced me to start working for him teaching Fire and first aid training courses.  This used to be done with good old acetates and an OHP projector.  Things have moved on now and we all use the latest technology we can, along with hands on technique.  I can’t remember exactly how long I've been working with Shaun but it must be over 15 years now.  He could still sell oil to Saudi Arabia but this is what I've always admired, his undying enthusiasm for everything. My training repertoire now extends way beyond it did 15+ years ago and it’s something I always enjoy doing, whether it’s in a portakabin next to a railway yard or a state of the art training room in the city.
  
  In my spare time I work for Alpha, or I get down to my beloved gym for a workout, steam, sauna, spa, coffee and cake. Not always in that order. Some of Shaun’s persuasive skills must have rubbed off on me as through almost a pyramid style selling technique I've managed to recruit half of Gatwicks fire service, past and present to the Alpha Training team.

  
• Joe Bird

  Hi, my name is Colin Bird, more commonly known as Joe! It’s a knick name that I have got used to. I am married with two lovely daughters, one just married and one about to be (there goes another holiday!). Like a lot of the instructors, facilitators, trainers, call us what you will, I have been in the Fire service since 1975, you can work out how many years that is! During that time I have had many roles (and many rolls), I spent many happy years in the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre where I gained most of my own training qualifications. One of my trainees was Shaun Jackaman, when he joined as a firefighter at Worthing. He was an enthusiastic recruit and has remained so ever since, (enthusiastic that is! not a recruit...) I started working with Shaun shortly after he started the company and teach on most of the courses we run.
  
  I like to think that I make my courses fun and enjoyable but ensuring that the relevant learning points and objectives are fully met. I believe we send our students, delegates etc away with the confidence and knowledge to use their skills in the workplace or home if required, having had an interesting and enjoyable course, whatever the subject. (Hope that gets me a pay rise?) Only joking.
  
  My hobbies include riding my Honda VFR, though not as fast as I used to and only when it’s dry and sunny! So not that much in this country then?
  
  I will be finishing with the Fire Service shortly and hope to take my keen interest in photography to more professional levels and supplement my income with some commissions soon. (Watch out for the web site, anyone need a wedding photographer keep me in mind!)
  
  I hope to see some of you prospective clients on future courses; you will not be disappointed with any of the Alpha team and would encourage you to book your training with us now.

  
• Rob Dipper

  I first joined the Fire Service as a retained Firefighter with West Sussex Fire Service in 1995. Soon afterwards I joined the Airport Fire Service and was stationed at Southampton for over two years before transferring to Gatwick. I have been at Gatwick for almost 12 years now and am currently at the rank of Crew Manager, my professional qualifications include Breathing Apparatus Instructor, Immediate Emergency Care trainer and Manual Handling Instructor. I have also recently joined the training unit and am involved with the basic training of new recruits.
  
  I have been part of the team at Alpha for the last 3 years, delivering a variety of training to clients over the south east and beyond. The concept of helping people realize their potential at first aid and giving them confidence at managing emergency situations is a remarkably rewarding experience, and something I thoroughly enjoy.
  
  I like to run and saunter around the gym, but usually ruin it all by rewarding myself with something that trebles the calories burnt off... However I did manage to stumble over the finish line at last years London Marathon.

  
• Jez Lifsey

  I have over 23 years experience working within the Emergency services, in which time I have attended a large variety of incidents involving Medical Trauma. I have hands on experience with the initial stabilisation, rescue and transportation of casualties suffering from major trauma injuries such as serious head, spinal, abdominal, fractures bleeds and impalements. Working along side Paramedics, Doctors and the Air Ambulance crews, is a opportunity that very few people get the chance to attain and the experience and knowledge that I have gained is something I wish to pass on to delegates attending the courses provided by Alpha Training.
  
  Prior to joining the Fire Service I worked in the heavy engineering sector for 10 years, which included the Railway Industry, Metal Fabrication and Structural Steelwork industry where I also gained a good knowledge of Health and Safety and Quality Assurance.
  
  I have recently completed the City and Guilds 7303 PTTLLS course and also a Diploma in Specialist Rescues and Incident Management at Coventry University.
  
  I have a particular interest in the delivery of working at heights and confined space working courses.
  
  Having recently joined the team at Alpha I look forward to meeting you all soon.

  
• Andy Meade

  I’ve worked for Alpha Training for over a year now providing emergency first aid and fire safety training.

  Previously, I served for 21 years with the Fire Service at Gatwick Airport.

  I enjoy riding my Triumph Rocket 3 motorcycle and going to the gym.

  
• Gary Woolley

  I have been in the Fire Service for 30 years serving at various locations in the UK and overseas, including the Falklands.

  I am Currently a Watch Manager (Sub O) in the Fire and Rescue Service and have attended many courses throughout my career in the fire service.

  My many qualifications include Emergency Medical Technician, First Aid, Fire Safety, Risk Management Assessor, Breathing Apparatus, Manual Handling and Casualty simulation. My most recent qualification is as a Water Rescue Technician.

  My role as watch manager allows me to achieve an effective and safe use of personnel and resources in a dynamic environment.

  I am constantly giving feedback to individuals and crews so that they understand their roles and responsibilities with in the fire service.  I have the ability to lead, motivate and support others and maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues and other emergency service personnel.

  
• Hugh Willding

  I have been working with VT (Vosper Thorneycroft) Critical Services Cardiff for about 24 months primarily delivering training to industrial fire teams in firefighting and Breathing apparatus.  Also supporting VT clients in assessments of  potential team members and  assisting fire team members to reach NVQ  standard.    
  I was previously employed for 30 years with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the last 8 of which in the training department delivering in a wide range of subjects and a lengthy period as SWFRS Breathing Apparatus Manager.  I have also worked at a local college lecturing to BTEC students and have been working with Alpha training for about two years .
  My hobbies include participating in Triathlon events including Iron man distance.   I rode several stages of the 2008 Tour de France route through the Pyrenees.
  I’m married to Noreen we have two children.  One recently married in an Elvis Presley type ceremony in Las Vegas and now working as contracts manager for NHS in North Lincs, my second child is in the final year of university.

   

  
• Gary Butcher

  Gary has been with Alpha Training for five years now and teaches most of the courses on offer.

  He has a background of fifteen years as a firefighter and instructor in West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and has recently retired to take up training full-time.

  He has a particular interest in trauma and life-support skills and is continually looking to explore new avenues in these disciplines.

  Recreational pursuits include wilderness survival techniques, and the study of Tai Chi and its associated internal energy and healing arts.

  He also plays the drums, the didjeridoo and is learning to speak Chinese!

  
• Danny Roach

  Age 45, married with two children, I live near the coast in Kent and have been involved with training for about 15 years, firstly with Rail track as it was then providing fire safety training in the wake of the kings cross fire, to fire precautions managers as well as ordinary rail staff train drivers guards platform staff and any contractors who wanted or needed to work on behalf of rail track. I then moved into Health and Safety with a Rail contractor where I also provided training in personal track safety, risk assessment, and general construction health and safety. I moved to a specialist company providing asbestos removal  services and was responsible for training and the rail contract the company had at the time. I was involved in setting up a brand new training suite for them as well as selling training to external customers.
  
  During this time I was also working the retained duty system with Kent Fire brigade with whom I served for 6 years before leaving to join London Fire Brigade. I got involved with a specialist training department with the LFB training personnel in heavy rescue, line rescue, water rescue, I was also trained at the Fire service college to provide USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) training in the wake of the twin towers attack’s. I have been an operational fire fighter and now watch officer for 8 years with London and for 4 of those 3 I was involved in the specialist training team.
  
  I have worked for ATSS for just over a year, and love every minute of my time with the clients that I see. I love the variety of people and the courses I teach. I like nothing more than sharing my knowledge and experience with others.
  

  
• Emma Ball - Office Manager

  I am your first point of contact for enquiries!  I then coordinate the training, liaise with the trainer, customer, delegates.  I also deal with the administartion for the courses and account enquiries.

  I first got involved in working for Alpha after leaving university... I wanted to take a year off to decide which career direction I wanted to go in and I’ve been with the company ever since! 
  
  I really enjoy the work that I do for Alpha especially interacting with our clients, it can also be a bonus working within the family business!  In my spare time I like to relax at home with my husband Mike and our two cats, I love all thing’s outdoors and I enjoy running.  I have recently completed the Bupa Great South Run which I hope to do again.

   

  
• James Barnett

  I’ve been with Alpha for a little over six months now and am finding it rewarding and very enjoyable.
  
  I am actively involved with all aspects of the company, liaising with trainers and clients, to managing our specialist course equipment.
  
  Before Alpha I worked within the hospitality and leisure industry as a site manager.
  In my spare time I enjoy many different physical activities from martial arts to rambling. I love going to the cinema and will be commencing salsa lessons shortly!