A young Strathpeffer woman is one of a small group which was given a unique insight into a firefighting career during Inverness course
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EIGHT young people have been given a unique firefighting experience at Inverness Community Fire Station.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Prince's Trust have combined two separate courses they provide to give participants a five-day programme packed with group activities and one-to-one support.
The sessions, which aim to develop core skills, include problem solving scenarios as well as basic first aid and CPR. They are provided through a series of activities modelled on firefighter drills.
One participants Elizabeth Smith (18) from Strathpeffer is considering a future career with SFRS.
She said: "This week has been an amazing opportunity. It's given me even more drive and passion to follow my dreams to become a firefighter.
"Thanks to the staff for providing all of us with brilliant insights into their activities."
The new Explore FireSkills course took place on the week beginning Monday, August 22. It contained links to Curriculum for Excellence and at the end of the pilot project each young person received a recognised qualification.
SFRS Group Commander Niall MacLennan said: "We are committed to providing opportunities for young people to help them move forward in their lives with confidence.
"This collaboration with The Prince's Trust is the first one of its kind in Scotland and we're pleased that Inverness has been able to host the event.
"Each young person who joined us for Explore FireSkills has done themselves proud and members of our Highland Community Action Team, who co-ordinated and delivered the sessions, have really enjoyed working with them”.
“We certainly hope they’ll consider firefighting as a future career."
Craig Wilson, Senior Head of Service Delivery at Prince’s Trust said: “It has been great to see our latest programme come to Inverness and allow local young people to develop new skills and confidence with SFRS, while also obtaining a new qualification. I wish all eight participants the very best as they take the next steps on their journey.”
