Fire Cadets is a nationally recognised long-term educational programme open to young people, aged 13-17 from all backgrounds.

Each unit operates from one of our local Fire Stations, run by both our Firefighters and Volunteer Cadet Leaders one afternoon/evening per week. As well as real-life Firefighting Skills, our Fire Cadet program provides young people with various life skills including team building, problem-solving, and communication.

The programme syllabus is divided into topics and subject areas of Fire and Rescue with the additional benefit of being aligned with an accredited and nationally recognized qualification.

Here at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service we focus strongly on social action, as a Fire Cadet you will become a service ambassador. Supporting your units at community engagement events, such as open days and charitable events. You will also gain the knowledge to safely educate others about the importance of fire safety and the consequences of anti-social behaviour, like arson.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service currently runs units at:

• Western Fire and Rescue Station – Tuesdays 16:30 – 18:30
• Coalville Fire and Rescue Station – Wednesdays 16:30 – 18:30
• Central Fire and Rescue Station – Thursdays 16:30 – 18:30

Volunteering

If you are 18 years and above, why not become a Volunteer Cadet Leader?

Volunteers typically help one evening a week, which varies depending on where the units are held. Your help may also be needed for occasional weekends.

We currently have 3 units that run from Western, Central and Coalville Fire Stations and we are looking to add a fourth at Uppingham.

What happens at a Fire Cadets session?

The programme, which lasts 12 months, helps young people build their confidence while also learning about:

• the use of firefighting equipment and the incidents attended by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
• fire safety in the home and the community.
• youth social action activities to make your community safer and better.
• supporting Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service at open days and events.

What will I learn as Volunteer Instructor?

In return, you have the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills as well as having the chance to complete a number of accredited courses including:

Drill Yard Supervision – how to safely supervise practical activities performed by the Cadets on our drill yard.

Safeguarding Children – a bespoke course designed specifically for the emergency services, which identifies what is meant by safeguarding and child abuse, and helps you spot the signs and know how to respond.

Equalities and Diversity – learn how to identify and tackle unlawful discrimination in the workplace and help improve the workplace culture in which you volunteer.

What skills and experience do I need to help?

Our volunteers don’t need to have experience of working with young people, just a passion for helping change a young person’s life for the better. There are some practical requirements too. To join us, you’ll need:

• To be 18 or over.
• To be willing to commit to regular weeknight evenings and occasional weekends during term time.
• A desire to work with young people.
• All volunteers are, of course, required to complete mandatory training including an induction into Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, safeguarding children as well as undergoing an enhanced DBS check.

5 reasons to support Fire Cadets

First and foremost, because it’s really rewarding and really good fun. But there are lots of other reasons too:

Give young people the best possible start – the Fire Cadets make an incredible difference to young lives. And that’s an incredible feeling.

Be part of the firefighting community – join us as a volunteer and you join the Service family, playing a real role in making Leicestershire a safer place.

Make new friends and amazing memories – be a part of some unique experiences that many people can only dream of!

Get ahead if you’re job hunting – if you’re looking for work, volunteering experience is a great way to prove your skills, and we can act as a reference too.

Gain valuable experience – and get free training in safeguarding children and supervising young people in practical activities.

Special Consideration: While the standard age range for joining the Fire Cadets is 13 to 17 years old, we understand that there may be exceptional circumstances where individuals outside this age range may possess the qualities and commitment to contribute effectively to our program. We are open to evaluating such special cases on an individual basis. The decision to consider a candidate outside the standard age range will be made after a thorough assessment of their suitability and potential to thrive in our Fire Cadets program.