Haringey youngsters were awarded a qualification after completing their Community Fire Cadet Course at a special Passing Out Parade on Saturday, 19 July.
The 14 young people aged between 15 and 17 will achieve a BTEC in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community. The cadet course is designed to provide young people with positive opportunities to improve community cohesion and reduce undesirable behaviour by enhancing key citizenship skills.
A special award was presented by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to Cadet Wiktor Wilczynski, 16, who was voted by his fellow cadets for his determination and willingness to learn as well as getting on with everyone.
Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Annetta Hawkins said:
“Wiktor’s award is well deserved as his attendance has been impeccable and he is always the first to volunteer and willing to help out anyone on the course.
I am very lucky to have worked alongside some amazing firefighters and community volunteers who have given up their time to give cadets some excellent life skills that will be taken in to their adult lives. As Graduate Cadets the young people passing out at this special event will be encouraged to return and become mentors for younger cadets following in their footsteps.”
The Brigade is looking for further funding to run the course again in Haringey as without it, the future of the London Fire Brigade’s cadet scheme is uncertain. The cadet course costs around £30,000 a year and the Brigade would like businesses to help out and sponsor the course or a young person at around £2,000.
The young people are taught key life skills such as commitment, leadership and teamwork. They are also carry out operational drills including climbing ladders, using hose and wearing breathing apparatus.
As well as learning firefighting skills alongside frontline firefighters, cadets learn how to handle money, job application techniques and healthy living. Attributes, such as teamwork, communications skills and discipline are encouraged on the course – all of which cadets can use when they enter employment.
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said:
“The educational and life skills the young people have obtained are invaluable and will hopefully enable them to find a job or continue in education.”
The course, which is designed for 14 to 17-year-olds, lasts 12 months and takes place one evening a week during term time with some day time and weekend sessions during the school holidays. The young people who attend follow a modular course linked to the Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.
The BTEC represents three qualifications and depending on the guided learning hours on each course over the 12 months candidates can earn an award or certificate. The scheme is run by firefighters, non operational staff from within the Brigade and volunteers from the local community.
Places are by referral only via agencies, schools or organisations who work with young people and candidates must live or attend school within the borough where the courses are running.
Notes to editors
The pass out parade was on Saturday, 19 July at Tottenham Fire Station between 3pm and 5pm.
Names and ages of the young people: