Fire Cadet Awards Night

Originally established as the South Wales Young Firefighters Scheme almost twenty years ago at Cardiff Central Fire Station, the scheme has grown to almost 250 cadets at 10 branches across the South Wales Fire and Rescue area with each branch welcoming 20-30 young people aged 11-17 each term-time week.

Being part of the Fire Cadet programme provides young participants with access to a wide range of experiences and qualifications, learning key firefighting and teamwork skills while also delivering important risk reduction and education activities in their communities.

Last year our young people became part of the NFCC Fire Cadet model which has since also seen them working towards the national standard.

Our Fire Cadets and Instructors are an incredibly valued part of Team South Wales and play a major role in their Station’s community risk management plans. The Cadets are responsible for representing the service at events in their local communities, charitable and fundraising activities and delivering safety talks to their peers; either at school or at neighbouring youth organisations. Our third year Cadets have also had the opportunity to take part in more advanced training and to be nominated for the new roles of Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Cadet.

On Wednesday 24 October, Cadets and Instructors were presented with a range of Awards from Fire Cadet of the Year to Instructor of the Year at South Wales Fire and Rescue Headquarters. This was an opportunity for the Service to recognise both the achievements of the young people and those involved in running our highly successful Cadets Programme.

Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway QFSM presented the awards alongside Fire Authority Chair Cllr Tudor Davies and Group Manager Neil Davies, Head of Youth, Education and Road Safety.

Group Manager Davies, said: “The Fire Cadet Scheme is SWFRS’ flagship youth engagement activity, allowing us to deliver upon our statutory duty of educating and reducing risk in our communities. Aside from this, the scheme allows young people to gain life skills, improve employability, enhance citizenship and contribute towards well-being in their local communities. As the Head of Youth Services in SWFRS I am very proud of their achievements and feel privileged to be able to participate in their awards ceremony to celebrate their successes.”

After nearly two decades the South Wales Young Firefighters / Fire Cadets programme has changed the lives of thousands of young people. It has given Cadet’s opportunities to develop new skills, make friends and improve their employability prospects, with a number of participants pursuing careers in the Fire and Rescue Service in a range of roles from operational to support staff.