*We are currently not recruiting for Fire Cadets at this time.*
*The recruitment re-opens in June 2023*
What are Fire Cadets?
The aim of the Fire Cadet program is to create safer communities through developing young people’s knowledge and raising their awareness of the importance of keeping safe from fire.
Our aim and objectives are:
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Develop awareness of fire hazards in and around the home.
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Provide fire safety information to enable young people to prevent, detect and escape from fire.
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Empower young people to resist peer pressure in relation to fire crimes, such as arson and hoax calls.
Have fun, make friends and gain qualifications
Fire Cadets is a nationally recognised programme and is a great way for young people to have fun, make friends, gain a qualification and develop their skills and confidence.
If you're between 13 and 16, you'll join our regular Fire Cadets! During your time on the programme you’ll make new friends, have loads of fun and learn all about what it means to be a firefighter and make a positive impact on your community.
What do you learn and what do we do at Fire Cadets?
Fire Safety – learn how to keep yourself and others safe by understanding hazards, risks, and control measures. Learn about fire safety in the home and create your own fire plan as well as how we work with other emergency services.
Firefighting skills – learn new skills using fire fighting equipment, squad drills, using ladders and hoses.
Fire Cadet Award – will provide a standard level of experience and common set of activities for all Fire Cadets and provide an accessible and structured programme of activities. Cadets will collate evidence and supporting material for the fire cadet award workbook. On completion of the 2-year programme the cadets will be presented with a participation achievement certificate.
Social Actions – Participate and attend events within the community, how to be a positive citizen and an active member of your community. This will be a key element of being a Fire Cadet and the cadet must take part in a minimum of three social activities each year.
The programme is split between the fire station training ground and classroom. Much of the work is practical where cadets are taught firefighting skills using hoses, ladders, community safety, associated equipment, and activities to develop soft skills, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication. There is also the element which focuses on the risks of arson and the role of the fire service within the community through social Actions.
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 makes an incredible difference to young people.
Make new friends and amazing memories – be a part of some unique experiences.
Get ahead if you're jobhunting – 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 return, you can gain a range of transferable skills as well as having the chance to complete various courses.
What skills and experience do you need?
Our Fire Cadet 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. You will 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 Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, safeguarding children, as well as undergoing an enhanced DBS check.
The Fire Cadets Programme runs at:
- Abercrave
- Amman Valley
- Newtown
- Morriston
- Seven Sisters
Are you ready to take the challenge?
So, are you ready to take the first step towards all the opportunities and benefits that the Fire Cadets can offer you?
If you think you have what it takes to become a Fire Cadet, then complete the online application now!
Virtual Welcome Evening
As we aren't able to hold a parent's evening at the station at the moment, we've prepared a short presentation, giving you some background information on the course and our expectations of each cadet.
What are Fire Cadet Instructors?
Fire Cadet Instructors deliver an All-Wales Award one Programme to young people across the Service area. You don’t need to have firefighting experience, just a willingness to make a difference to the young people in the community. You must be aged 18 and over to undertake this role.
