12 students complete West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s latest 'get started with the fire service' programme

The students spent five days with the service’s Targeted Education team and learnt a range of skills to help spark an interest in a future career as a firefighter, such as putting up ladders, squirting water from hoses and watching a demonstration of a car roof removal.

The course also prepares the students for adult life by promoting self-care and resilience through mindfulness exercises and learning about the nutritional value of certain foods and drinks.

The week culminated a pass out parade at Lancing Fire Station on Friday (20 October), which was attended by proud family members, friends and the Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

After presenting the young people with their certificates, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Peter Rickard, said: “These students are all aged 16 and over and are preparing to become adults.

“It’s important that as an emergency service we help equip the young people in our communities with a wide set of personal strengths, skills and the self-belief to help them flourish in their adult lives.

“I am thrilled to see the confidence radiate of each student at the pass out parade, and it is clear to see that they have learnt so much during the week. I hope they all go home and believe that they can achieve their dreams, and I would really love it if those dreams were to be part of our fire and rescue service.”