Fire cadets

Fire cadets

For the past two years, the students from CLSG have been heading over to Dowgate fire station to learn from firefighters and volunteers about aspects of life in the London Fire Brigade. They have learnt about various drills (ranging from how to flush a hydrant to how to use a hose), and even got to meet a fire investigation dog in training. During the sessions, the students practice a range of activities including roll call, a timed fire drill and other team building games. They are presented with challenges developing their skills (such as how to communicate quickly and effectively under pressure). The team also got to meet the former co-leader of the Green Party and member of the London assembly Sian Berry and talked to her about the youth activities available to young women. This allowed the students to showcase their newfound skills, as well as learning more about a career in politics, and the next day Sian went on to call for fire cadet funding to be ring fenced at the London assembly. The students have a pass out ceremony at the end of the programme, which involves putting their training to good use to rescue a firefighter from a ‘burning building’, after which they receive their BTEC certificates.