Specialist Rescue Operative

On a specialist rescue operative apprenticeship course, you’ll provide rescue cover to people operating at height and in confined spaces when they face exceptional hazards.

A specialised rescue operator performs two essential functions: providing rescue cover to persons operating at heights and in tight spaces when they face significant hazards and teaching others how to execute successfully in a rescue setting.

In this position, you will assist in the escape and rescue of persons, including casualties, from confined spaces and/or underground sites. To carry out an effective rescue, you will need to collaborate with other small teams.

You’ll be in charge of environmental monitoring, respiratory protection, professional first aid, and assisting with extraction and transport. The key to this will be communication since small teams would need to work together to complete a complex rescue and casualty evacuation.

You will also report flaws and defects, execute risk assessments, work independently and as part of a team, and demonstrate outstanding knowledge and a solid dedication to safety, health, and the environment.

What you’ll learn

On a specialist rescue operative apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Assemble an effective and efficient rescue team in compliance with corporate standards, safe work practices, and current regulations such as the Confined Spaces and Mines Regulations.
• Carry out rescue operations in various hazardous situations and settings, such as at height, in oxygen-depleted, toxic, and heated environments, and rescues involving casualty entrapment.
• Save a life in danger, and conduct a rescue if possible.
• Reduce the effect of fire, smoke, or other gases in confined spaces or underground situations.
• Maintain all equipment and breathing equipment regularly and regularly, following company policy, procedures, and manufacturer’s specifications.
• Plan and organise equipment and resources, execute necessary rescue standby responsibilities in line with the company’s key performance goals and measures, and monitor progress toward them.
• Plan the work that must be done, keep to the plan, and seek and implement improvements in both the present and future work plans.
• Create inclusive teaching and learning that considers people’s learning styles and provide inclusive teaching and learning.
• Evaluate inclusive teaching and learning delivery, changing as required.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Depending on the employer, but likely A-levels or equivalent.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.
• Be over 18 years of age
• Have a good level of fitness
• Have a full driving licence
• Be able to swim

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of three distinct assessment methods: 

• Knowledge Test 
• Practical observation 
• Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 4 Specialist Rescue Operative Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.