South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s training and development centre is currently playing host to the biggest group of firefighter recruits in the organisation’s recent history.
The 17 trainee firefighters, who are currently on an intense 13-week long course, are now half way through their fourth week.
So far they’ve had a packed agenda that has included fitness tests, advanced first aid training and an introduction to standard firefighting equipment, such as hoses, ladders and pumps.
And the hard work has continued this week, with their current theme being road traffic collisions and vehicle rescue techniques.
Normally courses at the service’s Handsworth-based training facility only cater for 12 trainees at a time, however a combination of high levels of interest and good quality candidates has led to a larger group this time.
Once these 17 trainees finish their course they will be sent out onto stations across South Yorkshire as firefighters in development.
“It has been great to introduce these new trainees into our organisation over the last few weeks for the start of what we hope will be long and rewarding careers with us,” said Area Manager Andy Strelczenie, head of emergency response.
“Ahead of them lies two rigorous and challenging months as they work through various modules – including working at height, casualty handling, breathing apparatus and live fire training.
“They will also be doing a week’s worth of fire prevention activity within their local communities which, of course, is a really big part of a modern day firefighter’s role.
“I look forward to seeing their progress over the coming weeks and have every confidence that they will go on to help make South Yorkshire a safer and stronger place to live, work and visit.”