A new fire cadet scheme for budding young firefighters will launch for the first time in the borough, thanks to funding from Merton Council.
The exciting new youth engagement programme will offer young people the chance to learn about the London Fire Brigade and gain a qualification and life skills they can use in the workplace.
It was made possible thanks to a £54,000 Performance Reward Grant from Merton Council.
The cadet programme for young people aged from 14 years-old to 17 years-old is due to launch in September, the first time such a scheme has been seen in the borough.
Cadets will be based at the new Mitcham fire station in London Road, Mitcham.
VIDEO: Watch Merton Borough Commander Darren Tulley introduce the scheme
It is free to join and will help young people get an insight into the changing role of the fire service, improve discipline and work ethic and work alongside positive role models.
It will also give young people the chance to develop skills for the workplace, build confidence, represent the London Fire Brigade at events, gain a BTEC qualification and work alongside staff and volunteers in the community.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities Councillor Edith Macauley said: “I am very happy Merton Council has funded such an exciting and innovative project which should inspire a generation of young people to get involved in the London Fire Brigade.”
London Fire Brigade’s Merton Borough Commander Darren Tulley said: “It is really important for us as a borough to be able to give something back, with Merton Council, to the young people of Merton.
“It is a unique opportunity for them to get an insight into the fire service and to gain a nationally recognised qualification.”
The London Fire Brigade is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Notes to editors
Picture captions:
Picture one and three: From left, London Fire Brigade’s Merton Borough Commander Darren Tulley, firefighter Craig Lancashire, Merton Council’s Lee Roberts, firefighter Cliff Mead, Mitcham fire station manager Jeff Lisle, firefighter Rory Mills, and Merton Council’s Neil Thurlow
Picture two: London Fire Brigade’s Merton Borough Commander Darren Tulley, left, with Merton Council’s Neil Thurlow.
Picture four: From left, firefighters Craig Lancashire, Cliff Mead and Rory Mills at Mitcham fire station
To apply, visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/firecadets.asp