Bright sparks earn fire service praise
Mar 20 2008 by Henryk Zientek, in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner
STUDENTS from schools in Kirklees completed a rigorous training programme with West Yorkshire Fire Service – as part of a scheme to introduce youngsters to a variety of work and training options
The 14 to 16-year-olds joined fire crews at Dewsbury fire station to learn about ladder drill, using hose pipes and rescuing casualties from smoke-filled buildings. They spent two-and-a-half hours a week for 10 weeks in completing the fire cadets’ course – which culminated in a dramatic rescue exercise involving a crashed car, a burning building and butane cylinders in danger of exploding. Afterwards, the students – from Moor End Technology College in Huddersfield, Mirfield Free Grammar School and Earlsheaton High, Whitcliffe Mount and Birkdale High in Dewsbury – attended a passing out parade where they were presented with certificates for completing the course
The course is part of an Engagement Programme governed by Kirklees LA and organised by Kirklees Collegiates. It is made up of the 25 Kirklees High Schools, Huddersfield Technical College, Huddersfield New College, Greenhead College and Dewsbury College and the Work Based Learning Providers – to appeal to youngsters disillusioned by academic schooling
The students select three programmes to pursue in an academic year. As well as the fire cadets’ course, options include hairdressing and beauty, childcare, a DJ workshop, motor vehicle engineering, welding and fabrication Project manager David Toulcher said: “The aim is to give young people who are disillusioned with the academic route an insight into what apprenticeships and hands-on training would involve. “At the same time, they receive careers advice on apprenticeships, work-based training or further education."He said: "The Fire Cadets' course not only opened their eyes to a career in the Fire Service, it has increased their awareness of fire safety. The course also showed them the value of working in teams and has helped with their confidence and self-esteem" |
