By KLTV Newsdesk –

Eight young people graduate after eight weeks of training designed to build confidence, resilience and employability skills

Eight young people from across West Yorkshire have successfully completed West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (WYFRS) FireWork programme, celebrating their achievements at a special graduation ceremony.

The participants showcased the skills they had developed during an impressive ‘pass-out parade’, attended by family, friends and a number of special guests.

Funded by the Violence Reduction Partnership at West Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by the WYFRS Youth Interventions Team, FireWork is an employability and life skills programme for young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The eight-week programme is designed to help participants develop resilience, teamwork and practical skills that can support their progression into employment, training or further education.

Putting new skills into practice

Annabel Pugh, Youth Interventions Trainer at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, led the participants through the course alongside Operational Youth Interventions Instructors.

Annabel said: “I’m extremely proud of the hard work and dedication this group of young people have shown throughout the course.

“They have challenged themselves, supported one another and developed skills that will help them take their next steps into employment, training or further education.”

As part of their graduation ceremony, participants delivered a presentation explaining what they had learned throughout the programme.

They also demonstrated practical skills developed during their training, including road traffic collision (RTC) rescue, first aid, hose running and firefighting techniques.

Annabel added: “It can be extremely nerve-wracking for the participants to not only stand up and speak in front of family and friends but also deliver a practical demonstration of the skills and knowledge they have picked up. They’ve all done themselves proud.”

Special guests attend graduation

The pass-out parade was attended by family and friends, as well as Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel De Souza, who was visiting as part of her The Big Future tour.

The nationwide listening tour is designed to hear directly from children and young people about their experiences, views and aspirations.

Participants had the opportunity to speak with Dame Rachel and share their experiences of the FireWork programme.

Also attending were Chair of West Yorkshire Fire Authority Councillor Ryk Downes and Deputy Chief Fire Officer of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Dave Walton.

Dame Rachel and Dave Walton congratulated the participants and presented each graduate with a certificate.

Claire Wright, Youth Intervention & Prince’s Trust Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “FireWork is about helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and realise their potential.

“We are incredibly proud of everything the participants have achieved over the last eight weeks. Their commitment and determination has been clear to see, and today’s parade showed just how far they have come.”

Supporting young people across West Yorkshire

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “In West Yorkshire, we believe that every child matters and deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they may face.

“That is why we have championed a ‘child first’ approach, working with partners across our region to listen to young people, understand their experiences and provide the support they need to thrive.

“Congratulations to the young people who graduated from the FireWork programme, which our Violence Reduction Partnership has supported.

“It really demonstrates the incredible potential that can be unlocked when we invest in young people and commit to their future.”

Next FireWork programme to begin in Dewsbury

The next FireWork course will be delivered at Dewsbury Fire Station from Tuesday 6 October.

Introduction days will take place on Friday 25 September and Thursday 1 October, from 10 am to 12 noon.

These sessions provide an opportunity for young people to find out more about the programme and meet other potential participants.

FireWork is open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are looking for their next step.

The eight-week programme focuses on:

• Developing skills for the workplace.
• Identifying aspirations and plans for the future.
• Working as a team and developing teamwork skills.
• Building confidence and resilience.
• Gaining practical experience for CVs and application forms.
• Gaining a Level 1 qualification in Developing Resilience through practical activities using fire service equipment.
• The opportunity to gain a First Aid Qualification, valid for three years.

For more information about joining the programme, contact philip.atkins@westyorksfire.gov.uk or Youth.Interventions@westyorksfire.gov.uk.