Help centre
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about what SkillsTrain supplies and how it works, grouped by our three pillars: VR Training, Classroom Training, and Textbooks and ePubs. If your question is not here, get in touch and we will answer it directly.
First, the important bit: what SkillsTrain is
SkillsTrain is a supplier and enabler, not a training provider. We are not an accredited training provider and we do not deliver or accredit training ourselves. We import, distribute and support the VR systems, online courses, materials and books that accredited facilities and instructors use. Accreditation and delivery sit with the course owners and the registered training bodies, for example Action Training Systems (ATS USA).
About SkillsTrain
Does SkillsTrain run training courses itself?
No. SkillsTrain is a supplier and enabler, not a training provider. We distribute the VR systems, online courses, materials and books that accredited programmes and instructors use to deliver training. You run the training; we keep you equipped.
Is SkillsTrain accredited?
No. SkillsTrain is not an accredited training provider and does not deliver or accredit training. SkillsTrain imports and distributes the training resources that accredited facilities use, and partners with accredited training providers in Southern Africa. Accreditation sits with the course owners and the facilities, for example Action Training Systems (ATS USA). For an introduction to an accredited facility, contact Linda at linda@skillstrain.co.za.
What does SkillsTrain actually supply?
Three things: a full VR (virtual reality) training ecosystem, more than 200 fire, EMS and industrial course titles delivered by classroom video streaming or online access codes, and specialist training books from over 20 global publishers.
VR Training
How is VR training better than traditional fire safety training?
VR lets trainees rehearse realistic emergencies safely and repeatedly. Independent research links it to faster learning, higher confidence and strong retention, without the fuel, water or facility cost of live burns.
What is included in a FLAIM VR firefighting system?
A wearable VR headset system, a live nozzle with realistic hose feedback, heat simulation and dynamic fire scenarios, plus FLAIM Capture analytics. SkillsTrain is the exclusive distributor for FLAIM in South Africa.
Which industries benefit most from VR training?
Higher risk sectors such as petrochemical, manufacturing, mining, aviation, maritime and construction see the biggest gains, along with municipal fire and EMS services.
Classroom Training
How can I make my classroom fire and EMS training more exciting?
With Action Training Systems classroom courses from SkillsTrain, delivered as a classroom streaming subscription or individual online access codes. They bring broadcast-quality firefighting and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) video and built-in instructor resources into the room, covering firefighter, officer, hazmat, driver operator, EMR, EMT and more. Your instructor stays in charge and every completion is tracked.
Are the courses and materials accredited?
The course content comes from recognised providers and maps to standards such as NFPA and NREMT. How that counts toward certification is confirmed by your accrediting body; SkillsTrain supplies the materials and documentation to support it.
Textbooks and ePubs
Can SkillsTrain source a specific book?
Yes. We represent Jones and Bartlett and NFPA, and can source IFSTA and other publishers' titles, so we can supply most fire, EMS, rescue and safety titles in the niche, in print or as an e-pub.
Do you serve small businesses as well as large organisations?
Yes. We supply everything from a single specialist book to a full VR firefighting system, so organisations of any size can find what they need.
Getting started
Do you keep clients updated on new products?
Yes. We stay in close contact with our partners and pass on new products, upgrades and standards changes as they happen. Follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter.
How do I get started?
Book a demo. Tell us what you are trying to train and we will show you the right VR system, course set or book list for your programme.
Still deciding?
Let us help you choose
SkillsTrain supplies the VR systems, online courses and books behind Fire Fighter, EMS and safety training across Southern Africa. Tell us what you are trying to train and we will point you to the right resource.