Youngsters from a Derby school fired up their ambitions when they swapped the classroom for the fire station for a week.
Eight students from Bridge Street School – part of Respect Collaboration Trust – took part in Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Youth Engagement Scheme (YES!), getting a hands-on taste of the teamwork, discipline and determination needed to be a firefighter.
YES runs several times a year with local education and community partners for young people aged 13–16 who may be disengaged from education or at risk of exclusion. The five-day programme gives participants the chance to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges and build their confidence and communication skills.
During the week, students learned how to tackle fires using specialist equipment and techniques, rescued replica casualties, completed first-aid training and took part in a series of team challenges – before putting their new skills to the test in a live demonstration for their families on the final day.
Fifteen-year-old Myles Simpkin said: “I am so grateful for this experience. Before this week, I had no idea what I wanted to do, but now I know – I definitely want to be a firefighter. I’ve already joined the cadets.
“It has completely changed the way I see firefighters. There is so much more to the job than just putting out fires.
“They have to really trust and rely on each other because their lives can depend on how well they work as a team. This week has shown us just how important teamwork is, and it’s been great learning to work together. I’ve really bonded with people on the course who I had hardly spoken to before.
“The final day was the best part because we got to show our families everything we had learned – from tackling fires and rescuing people to giving first aid. My mum was really proud, which meant a lot.”
Families joined the youngsters at Ascot Drive Fire Station on the final day, where they watched a presentation highlighting their progress and heard from staff about their achievements.
They then watched the students put their new skills into action during a live demonstration, before the day concluded with an awards ceremony where each received a medal and first-aid certificate in recognition of their achievements.
Two special awards were also presented, with Myles Simpkin receiving the Peer Award, voted for by his fellow students in recognition of his enthusiasm, effort and progress throughout the week.
Tyler Galley received the Instructor Award, presented by Ascot Drive station manager Stuart Smith, who had watched the youngsters grow in confidence and develop their skills throughout the week.
He said: “It was really hard to choose just one person because you have all worked incredibly hard and put so much effort in.
“You have all impressed me with your skills, but what has really stood out is seeing your confidence and leadership develop throughout the week.”
Bridge Street School headteacher Libby Macpherson said: “It has been fantastic to see our students grow in confidence, learn new skills and really step outside their comfort zones.
“Experiences like this can open young people’s eyes to what they are capable of and the opportunities available to them. We are incredibly proud of all eight students and grateful to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service for giving them this opportunity.”
