The Fire Cadets Programme
Fire Cadets is a nationally recognised long term educational programme open to young people aged 13 to 17 years old. Fire Cadets units operate from local fire stations, where young people attend one evening per week for two hours. Fire Cadets programmes vary in length from 1 to 4 years and opportunities may be available for Cadets to progress on to becoming Junior Instructor at 16 years old, and a Volunteer Cadet Instructor at 18 years old.
The programme is designed to be modular, divided into topics and subject areas with the additional benefit of being aligned to the national Fire Cadet Level 1, 2 & 3 Award and an accredited Pearson’s BTEC Level 2 in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community (subject to availability). This provides young people with the potential to achieve a tangible educational outcome.
Fire Cadets provides young people with various skills throughout the programme, including teamwork, problem solving and communication. The programme also prepares young people for adult life.
The Role of a Fire Cadet Volunteer Instructor
To plan, deliver and supervise Fire Cadets, ensuring compliance with relevant Fire Cadet guidance. Volunteers will provide support and actively engage & educate young people.
The role is flexible and commitment will be agreed with the cadet Unit Leader, prior to commencement.
What will I be doing?
- Act as a positive role model to the young people
- Be part of a team supporting and encouraging young people
- Deliver a programme of activities (classroom, drill yard activities, teambuilding, fundraising etc)
- Attend public events representing MFRS
How will I be supported?
You will be supported by the cadet Unit Leader and cadet Manager. A uniform and Identify card will be provided. Travel expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
What do I have to do before I start?
- Complete Expression of Interest (This can be found here)
- Informal interview with Fire Cadet Manager
- Induction
- Training
Fire Cadet Instructor Responsibilities
- Be aware of relevant MFRS safeguarding policies and procedures
- Be responsible for the duty of care of young people whilst taking part in Fire Cadets activities
- Actively promote safe working practices with self and others
- Develop self-discipline and social responsibility in the young people to promote community inclusion
- Support the young people to develop life skills, increase confidence and raise self-esteem
- Educate young people and their families about fire safety and the consequences of anti-social behaviour
- Develop and inspire young people to make positive life choices for their future
- Encourage and promote the values of MFRS and required Fire Cadet standards
- Take part in Fire Cadets activities outside of fire service premises e.g. fundraising, public events and community projects
- Represent the fire and rescue service at local, national and international events where possible
Benefits of Volunteering as a Fire Cadet Instructor
- Being a positive role model to the young people and inspiring young people to make a positive contribution to society
- Being part of a team working environment and meeting new people
- Enhancing your leadership, communication and teaching skills
- Receive ongoing training & support
- Learning about the Fire & Rescue Service as an organisation
- Enhancing your career development & employability prospects
- Helping reduce the number of fire related incidents and anti-social behaviour within your community
- Making a positive difference to your community
Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor Person Specification
Essential
Education and Training
- Willingness to undertake training and develop knowledge appropriate to the role
Knowledge and Experience
- An understanding of health and safety in the work place
Skills, Ability and Personal Qualities
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Work well as part of a team
- Proactive and able to work using own initiative
- Ability to complete basic admin tasks involving written work and use a computer to complete basic cadet forms
- Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills
- A commitment to participate in local & national cadet events
- Ability to support, encourage and motivate young people
- Ability to build positive relationships with young people
- Experience of the delivery of information to groups of people
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience of leading a team
- Experience of working with challenging children or young people
- Experience of helping plan and/or deliver activity sessions to young people
- An understanding of the issues and challenges young people may be facing
- An understanding of establishing and maintaining boundaries when working with young people
- An awareness of safeguarding
- An awareness of fire safety
- An awareness of First Aid
- Undergo a medical and enhanced DBS check