London Fire Brigade recruiting for Fire Cadets in Havering.

Harold Hill Fire Station are looking for young people interested in learning the skills to become a firefighter, to take part in London Fire Brigade’s Fire Cadets programme.

Fire Cadets offers young people (age 14-17) the opportunity to develop personal and employability skills, attend prestigious events and give back to the community by taking part in fundraisers and social action projects. Young people can make friends, build their confidence and, if they want to, follow a structured promotion path to take on greater responsibility at their units as Officer Cadets after their first year. With lots of young people aspiring to a career within the Brigade, the Cadets central team has also begun work to create a pathway into employment for young people, with many previous cadets having already joined the Brigade as firefighters, Control Officers and non-operational fire and rescue service staff.

Fire Cadets Coordinator Rachel Foster said:

“If you are a young person who is up for a challenge, wants to be part of something new and exciting, become a positive role model and achieve what you never thought possible, apply now. We have 16 spaces still available in the borough.”

Vinny Jackson, who graduated from the most recent programme in August, said:

“Being a part of Fire Cadets has opened many doors for me and expanded my knowledge. Before I started, I was very shy and quiet but during my two year journey my confidence has grown immensely, it had helped me make good friends along the way meeting some amazing people.

“All the skills I have picked up as a cadet will definitely help me with everyday life. I am very grateful for the opportunities it has given me and the memories I have made.”

Spencer Joseph, an Officer Cadet, who has returned and progressed to Leading Fire Cadet for the Fire Cadets programme said:

“We meet every week for three hours, during which we undertake operational drills, using hoses and ladders. We then have a classroom session where cadets learn new things about the Fire and Rescue Service, science of a fire and more.

“After completing my first year as a Cadet, I received a promotion. In the second year, you are offered the opportunity to enter a leadership role, actively leading the cadets in both operational activities and in the classroom. Through Fire Cadets I have gained a great deal of confidence, greater self esteem, and as I’m sure a lot of fellow cadets would agree with, a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships.”

Fire Cadets in Havering runs out of Harold Hill Fire Station on Tuesdays from 18:00-20:30 for one academic school year. If you know a young person aged 14-17 who would be interested in joining, visit the London Fire Brigade website or contact rachel.foster@london-fire.gov.uk.