Real-World Learning: An Interview with Sonny White

For those working in social housing, staying up to date with compliance, safety, and hands-on skills is essential. We spoke to Sonny, who works at a large social housing provider, about his experience with Zzeus Training and how it compared to previous courses he had taken.

An introduction to Sonny - a rising star in our industry

Sonny describes himself as a "young, enthusiastic, and hard-working individual with a keen interest in fire safety." Despite being early in his career, he has developed a solid understanding of fire safety management, passive fire protection, and fire alarm systems, driven by personal passion and family history.

In 2021, Sonny worked with the FIA to create a guidance note on fire alarm design for those with sensory sensitivities. Launched at Firex 2023, he spoke at the event, gave a webinar with Fireco, and appeared on the Rebranding Safety podcast.

He also secured an IFSM research scholarship to study fire alarm suitability in special educational needs schools based on his guidance note.

Sonny’s dedication has earned him multiple award nominations:
• Aico Community Awards (2022 & 2024) – Rising Star Finalist
• IFSEC Global Awards 2022 – One to Watch

A Course That Stands Out

Sonny had taken training courses before, but found them lacking in key areas. "Other courses I’ve done didn’t have the same attention to detail or focus on personal development. They were missing hands-on product experience and practical wiring work," he explained.

With Zzeus, it was a different story. "They used real-life case studies, which made the learning much more relatable. It wasn’t just theory—it was applied learning, and that helped with retention. The course was collaborative, interactive, and had a welcoming atmosphere. It wasn’t about sitting through slides—it was about real engagement."

The Zzeus Approach

The training ran over four days, allowing participants to learn at a steady pace rather than being rushed through the material. "It was a small class, so there was plenty of one-on-one time. Buddy, the trainer, was fantastic—really engaging and passionate. He didn’t just dictate information; he spoke at our level and elevated the content in a way that made it stick."

One of the key advantages was the hands-on aspect. "We got to see new devices up close, understand how they work, and even feel them in our hands. The wiring exercises were a highlight—it wasn’t just about whether something worked but also whether it was compliant. That distinction was made very clear."

A Collaborative Learning Environment

Sonny particularly appreciated the team-based learning approach. "On other courses, you’re often learning alone. But at Zzeus, it was a team effort. We worked together, shared knowledge, and supported each other. That kind of environment makes a huge difference."

Despite wiring being new to him, Sonny found it an invaluable experience. "FP cable was out of my comfort zone, but it was great to get that hands-on experience. Even if some aspects weren’t directly related to my role, they were still incredibly useful."

Immediate Impact

At the end of the course, Sonny achieved an impressive 98% on the final test. More importantly, he’s already seeing the benefits in his job. "The knowledge and skills I gained can be implemented straight away. It’s given me a better understanding of compliance and the confidence to apply what I’ve learned."

Would he recommend the course? "Absolutely. If you want training that is practical, engaging, and genuinely useful in the real world, Zzeus is the way to go."