Teen firefighters scheme launched

The scheme aims to recruit and train young people

Teenage apprentice firefighters are being recruited to one of Scotland's largest fire and rescue services under a new initiative.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue hopes to attract 20 fire cadets, aged between 16 to 19, with the hope of a job at the end of a two-year programme.

The cadets will gain qualifications and learn new skills through the scheme, which may be expanded across Scotland.

Glasgow City Council is a partner in the cadet project.

Brian Sweeney, chief officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, said: "I am delighted that we are taking part in this pilot programme and I am convinced that the young people selected to take part will benefit greatly.

"Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is already heavily involved in broadening young people's horizons and opportunities through a wide range of projects.

I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot and examining the positive lessons that can be learned for the service in other parts of Scotland Fergus Ewing Minister for Community Safety

"Fire Reach, for instance, takes youngsters into a fire station for a week to boost their skills and confidence, and Cut it Out is a driving safety programme that is taken to senior pupils in their schools."

Councillor Paul Carey, who has been involved in the cadets programme, said it was crucial to work with both the public and private sector to provide innovative and interesting training programmes for young people.

He said: "Over the next four years, Glasgow City Council will deliver more than 1,000 trainee and modern apprentice programmes to young people in a range of disciplines which we hope will equip them for a lifetime of work.

"We've made it clear that no young person will leave school without the opportunity to secure work, training or further education."

Evaluation sessions

The young people who apply do not need to have any formal qualifications and applications are invited from young men, women and black and ethnic minority communities.

A shortlist of 100 applicants will take part in a series of evaluation sessions before the final 20 fire cadets are chosen.

During the two-year course, the fire cadets will aim to achieve a recognised SVQ Level 3 qualification in Learning and Development and will be eligible to apply to join the service as operational firefighters.

Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, said: "By offering this opportunity to a diverse range of young people, initially in Glasgow, we can provide them with a valuable professional qualification as well as a possible career in the fire and rescue service.

"The partners are to be congratulated on developing such a worthwhile scheme which is open to all.

"I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot and examining the positive lessons that can be learned for the service in other parts of Scotland."