Beds FRS: National Apprenticeship Week, building a future at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
This week is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships (7-13th February).
In support we are taking the opportunity to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, the wider economy and to us as a Service.
The theme for the week is ‘build the future’ reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and contribute to a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
Our trainee Firefighters take part in a two-year apprenticeship scheme. This apprenticeship provides the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be a firefighter. It equips recruits with the skills to respond to emergency incidents as well as undertake community safety activities which contribute to the delivery of protection, prevention and response services to the community, ensuring they have the tools to save and protect life, property and the environment.
We also provide apprenticeships in other departments within the Service, Aaron Fuller is an apprentice in our Property Services department.
Talking about his apprenticeship he said: “I am going in to my fourth year at the Fire Service, Ihave always been interested in working within the emergency services and the training I am receiving is excellent.
The apprenticeship process was easy to follow and offers apprentices a set structure.
The most challenging part for me has been balancing work and college but after time this gets easier.
I love that no two days are the same and that my apprenticeship means I am able to work within the profession I am interested in while I figure out what I would like to pursue as a long term career in the future”.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Alison Kibblewhite said: “Our apprenticeships schemes are a great avenue into a long and rewarding career. It provides young people in the local area with great opportunities to enter the job market at the start of their careers.
“Our apprentices are learning on the job and bringing fresh ideas to the Service, ensuring that we are always striving to work smarter to provide an excellent service to the people of Bedfordshire.
“We will continue to support and explore apprenticeship opportunities across all departments within the Service”.