South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Young Firefighters have celebrated success after being the first ten Young Firefighters in Wales to be awarded a Fire and Rescue Service based qualification. 

The Mayor of Newport, the Right Honourable Councillor Bill Langsford, hosted a presentation evening at the Mayoral Chambers, Civic Centre, Newport to celebrate the success of the Young Firefighters. Gwent Dragons rugby players, Adam Jones and Steve Jones presented the certificates and spoke about the achievement of these young people. Each of the Young Firefighters has achieved an Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.

Station Manager Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who co-ordinates the scheme said: "We have made some fundamental changes to our scheme, meaning we have increased the number of young people we can accommodate by 150%. For every two young firefighters places we could previously offer we can now offer five young people this life changing opportunity.

"The scheme is fully funded by us, young people and their families don't pay any subscriptions, registration or uniform costs. We want to give everyone who can benefit an opportunity, regardless of social background or situation.

"Such is the success of this scheme we are now offering all of our Young Firefighters across South Wales the chance to undertake the BTEC."

Chief Fire Officer, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Marles and Chairman of South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Anthony Ernest said: "We are extremely proud of our Young Firefighters, this is a huge achievement for the Young Firefighters and the Service." 

Further information on the Young Firefighter scheme can be found at: www.southwales-fire.gov.uk  

 

Posted 09.52am, 8/3/11