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“FireSkills is a very worthwhile programme which was very successful due to the hard work and commitment of the Fire Station Staff and Programme Co-ordinators”.

“From the outset, planning and preparation for the programme was outstanding. Three young people have had a very positive experience that they will never forget and have in addition, gained a qualification that will be useful to them throughout their lives.”

The short courses FireSkills offer have been externally evaluated as having a positive effect on young people’s self-esteem and confidence by improving their communication skills – all in a team-focused environment. There is also an option for participants to gain an ASDAN Fire and Rescue short course award. To promote the team environment, all participants are provided with fire kit and a polo shirt. The team has its own fire appliance for the duration of the course. We have previously run courses with the Youth Offending Service and several secondary schools, both in term time and at weekends/school holidays. Although the usual target group is 13 -16 year olds who are ‘vulnerable’ or at risk of offending, we can adapt the course to other groups on request. The course usually lasts for 30 hours which can run as five whole days or a series of shorter sessions. However, we have also run ‘mini FireSkills’ over two or three days. The exact content of FireSkills will vary according to the number and needs of the participants, although practical firefighter drills will always form the main focus. Here is an example of a typical timetable:

To date, we have delivered many FireSkills courses at various fire stations, including Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Shepshed, Loughborough, Birstall, Hinckley, Wigston, Southern, Coalville and all three city fire and rescue stations. FireSkills is a targeted initiative reliant on external funding, and we are always pleased to talk to individual schools or organisations who may wish to commission a course. For more information, contact us.

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