Students experience work of a firefighter
Ten students from across Nottinghamshire will be given an insight into the role of a firefighter next week (w/c 16 April) as they undertake a work experience programme with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The 15-year-olds – three girls and seven boys – are spending the week at the Service’s Development Centre in Ollerton, trying their hand at a range of practical skills such as hose running, pumping water, ladder safety and wearing breathing apparatus. They will also find out more about the Service’s community safety work, learn basic first aid and learn about the history of the fire and rescue service.
This is the fifth year running that NFRS has offered a week-long work experience programme to schools, and the Service is confident that those taking part will learn a great deal about what the role of firefighter is like, as well as learning some useful transferable skills.
Watch Manager Kevin Ruane, one of the trainers based at the Service Development Centre has devised, and will be running, the week’s programme.
He said: “The students had to go through an application process during which they had to say why they wanted to do this, so they have already proved to us that they have an interest in the fire and rescue service as a potential career choice.
“We’ve tried to make sure the week includes several different elements of a firefighter’s role, not just fire fighting but an introduction to community safety, first aid and how we rescue casualties at road traffic collisions. They will also have to work as part of a team, which is an important part of being a member of an operational fire station.
“The week will give us a chance to showcase some of the fantastic resources we have within Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, such as our specialist vehicles and equipment, as well as our on-going training opportunities. I’m sure the students will get a lot out of the experience and it would be a great achievement for us if some of them went away thinking about one day becoming a firefighter.”
