Training Programmes
Professional training delivered through IIESMS training partners across all five disciplines.
Training and Professional Development Programmes
IIESMS supports the professional development of its members through a range of training and education programmes spanning all five specialist disciplines. These programmes are delivered through the Institute's network of approved training partners and through events organised directly by the sector groups. All training activities are recognised for CPD purposes and contribute to members' annual professional development requirements.
The Institute's training offering is designed to serve members at every stage of their career - from students developing foundational competence to Fellows maintaining expertise at the highest levels of professional practice. Programmes range from introductory awareness courses to advanced specialist certifications, ensuring that members can find training relevant to their current needs and career objectives.
Training is integrated into the IIESMS membership framework in a meaningful way. Completing relevant training programmes not only fulfils CPD obligations but can also support applications for grade advancement, demonstrate specialist competence for certified grades, and provide evidence of ongoing professional development during the audit process.
Training by Discipline
IIESMS training programmes cover all five specialist disciplines, ensuring that members in every sector group have access to relevant professional development.
Fire Safety Training
Fire risk assessment methodology, fire safety management, fire warden training, fire extinguisher maintenance, emergency evacuation planning, fire door inspection, passive fire protection, and fire detection system compliance. Programmes address Irish legislation including the Fire Services Acts and Technical Guidance Document B.
Industrial Engineering
Lean Six Sigma certification at all belt levels (White through Master Black Belt), process improvement, lean manufacturing, operations management, supply chain optimisation, and quality management systems. Programmes support the Lean Six Sigma dimension of the IIESMS grading framework.
Facilities Management
Building services management, maintenance planning and scheduling, energy management, workplace compliance, security management, and facilities operations. Programmes address the practical skills required for effective facilities management in Irish commercial and public sector settings.
Safety and Health
Workplace risk assessment, safety statement preparation, manual handling instruction, safety representative training, safety management systems, chemical safety, working at height, and confined space entry. Programmes are grounded in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and General Application Regulations 2007.
Healthcare
Healthcare fire safety compliance, patient evacuation planning, healthcare facility management, infection prevention, HIQA regulatory compliance, and healthcare emergency response. Programmes address the specific requirements of hospitals, nursing homes, and designated centres under Irish healthcare regulation.
Lean Six Sigma and the IIESMS Grading Framework
A distinctive feature of the IIESMS membership framework is its alignment with Lean Six Sigma certification levels. Each core membership grade corresponds to a Lean Six Sigma belt level:
- Student - White Belt
- Associate Member - Yellow Belt
- Technician - Green Belt
- Graduate Member - Black Belt with 2 years' experience
- Member - Black Belt with 3 years' experience
- Fellow - Master Black Belt
This alignment means that Lean Six Sigma training delivered through IIESMS training partners - particularly Leading Edge Group - directly supports members' grade progression. A member who achieves Green Belt certification is demonstrating the competence level associated with Technician grade. A Master Black Belt holder may qualify for Fellowship through the Lean Six Sigma pathway.
Lean Six Sigma training is relevant across all five IIESMS disciplines, not only industrial engineering. Healthcare professionals apply Lean principles to patient flow and clinical process improvement. Facilities managers use Six Sigma techniques to optimise building operations and energy management. Fire safety professionals apply structured problem-solving methodologies to risk assessment and compliance management.
How Training Supports Grade Progression
IIESMS training programmes are not simply standalone courses - they are building blocks in a professional development pathway that leads to higher membership grades and certified designations. The relationship between training and grade progression works in several ways:
Qualification Requirements
Each membership grade has specific NFQ qualification requirements. Training programmes that lead to formal qualifications - academic certificates, diplomas, and degrees - contribute directly to meeting these requirements. For example, completing an NFQ Level 7 programme in a relevant discipline is a prerequisite for Graduate Member status.
Competence Evidence
The professional review process for certified grades requires evidence of specialist competence in the relevant discipline. Attendance at sector-specific training programmes provides tangible evidence of competence development. A fire safety professional who has completed training in PAS 79-1 fire risk assessment, IS 3218 fire detection systems, and fire safety management can demonstrate a breadth of specialist knowledge.
CPD Record
A strong CPD record with regular training activity demonstrates commitment to professional development, which is considered during grade advancement applications. Members who maintain active, well-documented CPD records are better positioned when applying for higher grades.
Finding the Right Training
Follow these steps to identify training programmes that support your professional development goals.
Identify Your Goals
Consider your current membership grade, your target grade, and any specialist competence areas you want to develop. This will help you focus on the most relevant training programmes.
Check CPD Requirements
Review the CPD requirements for your current grade and any grade you are working towards. Ensure that your training plan includes a balanced mix of formal and informal activities.
Contact Training Partners
Reach out to IIESMS training partners - Phoenix STS for fire safety and health and safety, Leading Edge Group for Lean Six Sigma, and IBK for facilities management - to discuss available programmes.
Register and Attend
Book your chosen programme and attend. Keep records of all training activities including dates, programme details, and hours for your CPD log.
Apply the Learning
Put your new knowledge into professional practice. Document the application as informal CPD and use it as evidence in future grade advancement applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IIESMS training programmes
IIESMS facilitates training programmes across all five specialist disciplines through its network of approved training partners. Programmes cover fire safety, industrial engineering (including Lean Six Sigma), facilities management, safety and health, and healthcare.
Yes. All programmes delivered by approved IIESMS training partners are recognised for CPD purposes and contribute to members' annual CPD requirements.
IIESMS membership grades are aligned with Lean Six Sigma belt levels. Achieving a higher belt level supports progression to the corresponding membership grade. For example, Green Belt aligns with Technician, and Master Black Belt aligns with Fellow.
Training partner programmes are generally open to both members and non-members. However, IIESMS members benefit from CPD recognition and the integration of training into their grade progression pathway.
Contact the relevant training partner directly or contact IIESMS at [email protected] for information about upcoming programmes in your discipline area.
Yes. CPD activities from reputable external providers count towards your IIESMS CPD requirement, provided they are relevant to your professional practice and sector group.
Yes. Both online and in-person training options are available through IIESMS training partners. The delivery format varies by programme. Contact the relevant partner for current scheduling.
IIESMS delivers sector-specific CPD events, seminars, and webinars directly through its sector groups. Substantial training programmes are delivered through the approved training partner network.
Training programmes
IIESMS-approved training is delivered through our training partner network. Contact [email protected] for details.