Join the fire cadets
Fire cadets is a great way for you to learn skills that will help you in life.
And not only will you learn about fire safety and the role of being a firefighter, but you’ll also make new friends and grow your confidence too.
Why join the cadets?
Be like a firefighter
Being a fire cadet is the closest you’ll get to becoming a firefighter before you’re old enough to apply. From doing drills to climbing ladders and shimmying through tunnels, you’ll do lots of practical exercises that real firefighters do. You’ll also learn about fire safety and prevention too.
Build bonds
Our cadets are a tight-knit team. As well as making new friends, you’ll play a key part in your local community by attending various events, including remembrance services, and participating in social actions to support others in your community, even visiting care homes – to name a few!
Learn new skills
From picking up practical lifesaving skills like first-aid to building your teamwork and leadership abilities, you’ll gain so many skills that you can take with you through life.
Gain a qualification (if you want to)
As a nationally recognised programme, joining the cadets is a great way to impress universities and prospective employers in the future. While doing your cadet activities, you can achieve:
- BTEC Level 2 Award in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community
- BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community
- BTEC Level 2 Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community.
What you need to know
Our fire cadet units run at Bovey Tracey, Plymouth and Wincanton Fire Stations.
- They are open to anyone between the ages of 13-17 years old.
- You’ll be given your own uniform and full PPE (personal protective equipment) for practical drills.
- Typically, a cadet unit is made up of between eight and twelve cadets.
- During term time, you’ll meet for two hours each week at one of the stations. This is usually on a weekday evening.
- Our cadets will never work around fire. All experiential learning is carried out in a safe environment with our qualified instructors, many of which are firefighters too.
- All of our leaders have an enhanced DBS check and have undergone mental health training so they can support cadets with any difficulties they may have.
- We work closely with National Fire Chiefs Council - National Fire Cadet Board and other fire services around the country – you could even join in some of their sessions!
Meet Matt
Matt is one of our lead Cadet Instructors at Wincanton Fire Cadets, and has been in the Service for over 16 years!
"I love being in the fire cadets because I get to teach young people about what we do at the fire station, like first aid to standard drills and fire safety! It's great to help the cadets develop and see their confidence grow during their time with us. I'm very proud to lead the unit and see the enthusiasm of everyone involved. It's infectious!"