Recruitment for Fire Cadets is now open.
What are Fire Cadets?
If you're aged between 13-16 and are looking for a fun, challenging and exciting way to gain new skills, as well as an unique insight into working within an emergency service, the Fire Cadets is for you.
The Aim of Fire Cadets
The aim of the Fire Cadets programme is to enable young people to develop their skills and knowledge to have a positive experience in a fun, safe and secure environment. Fire Cadets will also learn important life skills which will inspire positive life choices on their futures.
Have Fun and Make Friends
Fire Cadets is a nationally-recognised programme and is a great way for young people to gain invaluable skills, make lots of new friends, learn to work as a team and have a lot of fun along the way.
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.
The programme is split between the fire station training ground and classroom. Much of the work is practical where cadets are taught practical hands-on skills such as running out hoses and climbing ladders, Fire Safety Awareness, and activities to develop soft skills, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication.
Fire Cadets are expected to attend a weekly drill evening at their local Fire Station. In addition to weekly activities at their local Cadet Unit, Cadets will take part in a range of social activities such as supporting station car washes, open days and fundraising for local and national charities. Fire Cadets will be young role models in their community by supporting local initiatives and representing the Service at wider, national events.
The Fire Cadets Programme includes:
- Practical Firefighting Drills
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Road Safety Awareness
- Water Safety Awareness
- First Aid Awareness
- Team-Building Activities
- Community Engagement
- Fundraising
The Role of a Fire Cadet Volunteer Instructor
Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors will provide support and will actively engage and educate young people. Volunteer Instructors will act as positive role models and will help support the delivery of a programme of activities (classroom, drill yard activities, teambuilding, fundraising etc.) and attend public events representing the Service.
Volunteering is a great way to develop a variety of transferable skills and gain valuable experience. The Fire Cadets Programme makes an incredible difference to young people and Volunteer Instructors help make this happen.
Volunteer Instructors are required to commit to regular weeknight evenings and occasional weekends during term-time.
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 that all Volunteer Instructors will need to meet:
- Aged 18 and over
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) an Enhanced DBS with Child Barring lists check will be required for this role
- Induction into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Safeguarding
- Introduction to working with Fire Cadets and young people
- Drill Ground Youth Supervision Training Course
The Fire Cadets Programme runs at:
Northern Division (Ceredigion and Powys):
- Newtown
- Abercrave
Southern Division (Swansea and Neath Port Talbot):
- Seven Sisters
- Amman Valley
- Gorseinon
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?
Fire Cadets is an exciting youth engagement programme offering young people the opportunity to engage with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and gain credible life skills they can use in the workplace.
Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Fire Cadets ethic. The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background, or ability, if you're between 13 and 16 years old you can join us.
To complete the application form you will need to:
- Make sure you have 15 minutes to complete the form
- Know which location you'd like to apply for, and
- Have your parent / guardian to hand, they'll have a few questions to answer too!
If you think you have what it takes to become a Fire Cadet, then complete the online application form now!
What are Fire Cadet Instructors?
As a Fire Cadet Instructor you will assist and support the delivery of the Fire Cadet Award Programme, consisting of practical and classroom based sessions.
You'll support the Cadet Lead and Deputy Instructors to deliver the programme and facilitate drill yard activities.
