Firefighter Experience Day

Last month the apprentices at Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service got to experience what it would be like to be a Firefighter for a day.  We all met at the training centre on a Friday morning ready for the day ahead. We were able to have a go at cutting up a car, something which fire fighters do on a weekly basis when dealing with Road Traffic Collisions.

We were able to learn search and rescue techniques that are used by the firefighters when attending an incident. This was made even more realistic by wearing breathing apparatus to get a true understanding of how that feels when it is being worn. Whilst there, we also had a go at abseiling from a building to see how incidents are attended by our Technical Response Unit.

Fire Ground Assistant

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service has around 20 apprentices working throughout the 10 boroughs. We have Business Fire Safety Advisors and Community Fire Safety Advisor Apprentices which previously we have introduced and written about what they do. 
However, we have various other apprentices;

 

My Name is Matthew Heslop and I am an Apprentice Fire Ground Assistant. I started here on the 28^th of April and am really enjoying myself. My job roles consist of organising training venues, making sure they are clean, ensuring that the cribs to simulate fires are re-stocked, making sure that the fire engines as well as equipment are in the proper working order. This ensures that the running of training is smooth and without problems. I also may be asked to demonstrate, take part and even set up the breathing apparatus.

 

Breathing Apparatus training is also given as this job requires you to complete this to carry out certain tasks. I got into this apprenticeship through the volunteer scheme and am very happy with my job.

Alcohol and Drug Awareness

Apprentices attended Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service’s Training and Development Centre to look at the effects of Alcohol and Drugs. The session, delivered by The Manchester College educated me and the other apprentices about the effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the body.

Throughout the session we were also educated on how to spot signs of the misuse of Alcohol and Drugs on individuals.

We also learnt about organisations that we can refer people to that may have issues in this area.  This is a key part of the Community Safety Advisor role as we work with many vulnerable people which we can help.

Meeting Prince Harry

On Monday the 20^th October Lee Waddicor and I had an amazing opportunity to meet Price Harry whilst visiting Salford Fire Station.

Prince Harry came to catch up with the operational crews who were involved in the Manchester and Salford riots back in 2011. He also met volunteer co-ordinators who were involved with the clean-up. In 2011 I was a community fire cadet at Eccles fire station which were also involved with the big clean up.  He spoke to myself and Lucy, who is a current Fire Cadet at Eccles station about what we do and asked us why we enjoy being part of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

Lee Waddicor, a previous Princes Trust team member, now Apprentice Business Safety advisor also had the opportunity to meet and speak to the Prince. Lee was invited to meet prince Harry due to his recent successes in qualifying as a finalist for the celebrate success awards with the Princes Trust. Lee’s personal experiences were really beneficial to the Salford Team, he was there to support them and got the chance to speak to the Prince to explain how the course has changed his life.

He said” he spoke to me about my job role and I explained that we can progress from the apprenticeship to a full-time role. “

 “It was a fantastic opportunity that I will never forget, it was fulfilling to see Prince Harry have such a keen interest in his Fathers Charity, a moment I will truly never forget”

Kitchen Safety and Sprinkler Training

Last month I was invited to attend a training event in Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue service’s technical centre in Leigh. The training was aimed to teach myself, Business Safety Advisors and Community Safety Advisors how to operate the Kitchen safety unit and the Sprinkler Safety unit for demonstrations to the public.
The kitchen safety unit will be coming to a community event near you to provide information on cooking safety and vital information about using chip pans. The aim of the demonstration is to show the public how serious a fire can be and what happens when a chip pan reaches the point of combustion and somebody adds water.

Our advice now would be that if it safe to turn the cooker off, do so and leave the property whilst closing the doors behind you to prevent the fire spreading. Once you are outside call 999. If it is not safe to turn the cooker off then simply leave, close the door and call 999 to allow the professionals to deal with it safely.

Apprentice Ambassador Workshop

Mathew Alsop and I are the apprenticeship ambassadors for Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. It was such a pleasure to be selected for the fantastic opportunity which enables us to share our experiences with young people leaving school and college.

On the 11^th of September we were asked to attend a workshop with 13 other apprentices from various sectors around Manchester. We were put into groups and were able to communicate after a few team building activities were done to settle the nerves.  It was interesting to hear about other people’s experiences and how I will change the futures of young people by giving them other options than further education.

 Apprenticeships are available from 16-24 with GMFRS, to find out more go to
http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/updates/apprentice-casestudies.aspx

Photo Shoot for The Manchester College

Myself and apprentice Tony Maunder was asked to attend the Whitworth Street Campus last week. We took part in a photo-shoot to promote the fantastic opportunity that the Manchester College provides for apprentices and the ‘Good’ Ofsted result that they received this year. 

Meeting Leader of the Labour Party - Ed Miliband

Written by Business Fire safety Advisor Apprentice Laura Broughton 

On Monday, two lucky apprentices and I got the rare opportunity to sit down with the leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband, to discuss the future off apprenticeships. It was nice to see that apprentices are being supported by government parties to expand the availability and amount on offer over future years. In front of several TV cameras, Ed asked us how we became apprentices and what sector we worked in. We even got a two second clip on Sky News!

On Tuesday, five apprentices were invited by Ed himself to attend the labour conference at G-Mex. The apprentices enjoyed the day away from their usual agenda to find out more about the Labour Party and find out how politics can and will affect all of our futures.

Apprentice Lee Waddicar said “I found it interesting. It was the first time I had ever attended any kind of political conference and it was an opportunity I would not have been able to experience had I not been working for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.”

Senior Staff Supporting Working With Young People

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Lee Waddicor and I attended an Eccles Prince’s Trust presentation evening and had the chance to catch up with Geoff Harris, currently Head of Transformation at GMFRS.

It was lovely to see his interest in the young people within Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the support that he gives to the Prince’s Trust teams. It really showed the support offered by senior members of staff and the commitment to supporting work with children and young people in the communities they serve.

Mike Meets Man Saved by Blackely Firefighters

Apprentice Michel Dunn got the chance to meet a man who was saved by fire fighters from Blackely station.

The man had come in to the station to thank the crews for saving his life and the life of his dog after he had his escape route blocked by a fire that had started in the stairwell of his flat. The fire fighters showed the man round the station and gave him a quick tour before having a picture taken with him as a lasting memory for him to take away. Michael got the chance to see first-hand what our crews do and the people that they save.

He stated, “It was great to see someone given the opportunity to thank the firefighters for saving their life as well as being able to see how much the crew appreciated his efforts to come and thank them.”

Pathways into Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

As the weeks have gone by you have met a number of our new apprentices here at Greater Manchester Fire and rescue service and it is a pleasure to be working alongside them. The pathways in to the fire service are something very close to each of us. To us it means the things we’ve done to get to where we are today.

Out of the twelve apprentices currently working in Community Fire Safety and Business Fire safety two, including myself have come from our cadet units, two have come from our volunteers program and eight from the Prince’s Trust team programmes.

Princes Trust 12 Week Development Programme

Princes Trust is a twelve week program for people aged 16 to 25 that are unemployed. It consists of careers advice, work placements, a week of team building activities and a series of community based projects. The program gives the individuals the opportunity to build confidence and make a positive turn in their lives. It also gives them the ability to develop their skills and their CV to seek employment. Throughout the twelve weeks, each member of the team works towards a number of recognised qualifications and personal goals.

For further details or if you want to get involved go to;

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/princes_trust.aspx

Volunteering

The Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service volunteer scheme invites people from 16 and above to ‘give us a hand in the community’. With a variety of different events to be part of, such as the Manchester Day Parade or even becoming a cadet instructor, there’s always something to do.
If you would like to know more about volunteering with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service go to; http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/working_for_us/become_a_volunteer.aspx

Fire Cadets

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Fire Cadet Scheme started around 19 years ago and since then has had hundreds of young people pass through the scheme. Over the two year course the cadets complete a nationally recognised BTEC Award in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community and have the opportunity to compete in hose running drills at national and international camp. Once they have completed the two year course they can become junior cadet instructors and then have the chance to gain employment with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
To find out more about cadets look at; http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/fire_cadets.aspx

Traineeships

Traineeships are a new 12 week program that Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service along with other partners has put together. Although none of the apprentices have been on the brand new scheme, we can see the fantastic potential it has to get young people in Greater Manchester into work. The 12 week provides 6-8 weeks with an employer outside of GMFRS, Level 2 qualifications in Maths and/or English and employability skills. If you would like to know more about this fantastic opportunity’s with a traineeship go tohttp://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/traineeships.aspx

Lewis’s Story

Written by Lewis Welsby, Business Safety Advisor Apprentice

Before starting as an Apprentice Business Safety Advisor at Stretford Fire Station, I was a volunteer in Salford and Trafford. I first became involved with GMFRS when a family friend who is a retired fire fighter told me about the apprenticeship scheme. When I looked further into this, I came across the volunteering opportunities and took this up whilst looking for further prospects within the brigade.

The biggest highlight for me as an apprentice so far has been being able to take on my own projects and go out working alone. This has showed me that I am trusted by my managers and colleagues to go and work by myself in the public eye, which has given me a massive confidence boost.

So far, the biggest benefit of working with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service is being able to meet and work with other people who have similar interests as me. When volunteering, everyone had a keen interest in the fire service, and as an apprentice I’ve had the opportunity to meet people within the service who are rich in knowledge and experience and have shared their stories with me.

Having had a big interest in the fire service since I was a young child, I’m very excited and proud to be working for GMFRS. I’d love to be able to continue this experience at the end of the apprenticeship within the Fire Safety department. Having met and worked with other colleagues in the service, I would now work in any department whether it is in a uniformed or non-uniformed role if given the opportunity.

Educating the Community at Sure Start

Written by Community Safety Advisor Apprentice Mike Dunn

Sam Blackburn and I have been getting out into the community across Manchester recently on a variety of different occasions. We both recently attended a Sure Start children’s centre in Rusholme to talk the new parents group during their introduction to the centre session.

The aim of the session was to give out home safety advice to the parents who were all scattered around a play room. We did this by talking to them and giving out information booklets on fire safety in the home, with the key message aimed at kitchen safety.

Every conversation started by introducing ourselves and asking if they had smoke alarms at home. If they didn’t, we advised they have a home safety check by signing a request form. We were also able to give out stickers and fluffy fire service bobble heads to keep the children happy and amused.

By the end of the session we had managed to collect a total of 22 Home safety check requests out of around thirty adults, which we felt was a really good success as there were clearly many parents without smoke alarms to protect them and their children. We completed several of them ourselves and sent the rest to our contact centre to have the visits arranged for convenient times.

Dom's Story

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Dom Traynor, our Business Safety Advisor for Bury, Oldham and Rochdale first had contact with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service when he was just 9 years old. Dom had won a competition for ‘Spot the Kitchen Fire Hazards’ with Ashton Fire Station and he won a DVD player!

10 years on, Dom became a volunteer for GMFRS where he assisted members of staff with a range of events and activities. He gained valuable knowledge of the uniformed services in the public sector and went on to apply for an apprenticeship.

Dom has studied A Levels in Business, Administration and Finance, Graphic Design, Law and Geography and was offered a place at the University of Leeds to study International Relations and Global Development. He declined this opportunity to seek employment within Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

This is the apprentices fourth month working on station. Dom’s highlights have been working with other members of GMFRS to see how different departments work. He has enjoyed working with operational fire fighters to get an insight to what they do on a day to day basis.

‘The past four months have opened my eyes to the organisation from the inside’

Dom would like to stay on with GMFRS in the future within Fire Protection. However he has future aspirations to become a Fire Fighter or a Police Officer within Greater Manchester.

Princes Trust Evening

Written by Laura Broughton, Business Safety Advisor Apprentice

Apprentices have been working with the Princes Trust teams over the past few months. At the end of each twelve week course there is a presentation evening to highlight the young people’s achievements and show family members and friends how far they have come. It is a brilliant evening and allows everyone to hear the people’s personal stories and also allow them to understand the impact that the Prince’s Trust has had on each individual.

Lee Waddicor, Sophie Williams and I attended the presentation evening at the JJ Bell Stadium along with ex apprentices from Eccles and Manchester.

Sophie Williams an ex Princes Trust team member has supported and worked with the team throughout the twelve week course. It was great to see what an impact she had on the individuals, as she was mentioned in several of their speeches.

Lee Waddicor was involved in interviewing each potential member who applied to become part of the Princes Trust Team back in February. On the evening Lee delivered an inspirational speech about his journey, doing all fellow colleagues proud.

If you would like to find more information about the Princes Trust or would like to apply for a place on one of our life changing courses visit;

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/princes_trust.aspx

You’re on your own

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Manchester Central based Business Safety advisor apprentice Lee Waddicor has been given the opportunity to go out into the business community and follow up complaints and give fire safety advice to businesses across Manchester.
Lee has been working with the Protection team in Manchester for just under three months and has progressed to such a level that he is confident to talk to individuals about keeping themselves and the public safe whilst out shopping, relaxing or eating out.

On speaking to Lee about this fantastic opportunity he said,

 

"The experience was a real test if anything. It felt brilliant to have the independence to be able to deal with this issue alone.

 

"It was terrifying at first but as I got there I managed to keep calm and handle the situation. It gave me  a real confidence boost and I know for certain I would be able to go out independently a lot more."

 

 

Caged Football event – Manchester

Apprentices based at Manchester and Stockport borough have been taking part in caged football events over the recent weeks. This is to engage with our young people across Greater Manchester.

The event at the National Football Museum by the Football Association raised awareness to the public of our fire safety messages and shows a presence of GMFRS in our communities.

The caged football unit diverts young people from becoming involved in anti-social behavior and fire related crime by giving them activities to get involved in.

Michel Dunn, Community Fire Safety Advisor Apprentice, said about the day,“The event at Urbis was a very enjoyable day. When myself and other GMFRS employees from Manchester and Stockport got involved and played some football with the public more kids wanted to join in and more people wanted to watch as the enjoyment and laughter filled the air.”

“It was a really nice change to our usual involvement with the community seeing a simple caged football unit bring all ages into competitive action packed matches.”

“The event in my opinion was a huge success and extremely popular with all that attended.”

Lee's Story

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Lee is one of our Business Safety Advisor Apprentices and he is based at Manchester Central station. Lee, 20, first became involved with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service when he joined the Princes Trust team in Eccles last year. 

Whilst on the 12 week course which the Princes Trust provides alongside GMFRS, Lee gained confidence and key skills in a number of areas.

 Unfortunately Lee was attacked a few years ago which put a huge barrier on his life. As a result of this he had a few bad years in high school and found himself in trouble and ended up in a job he didn’t want to do.

Lee has always been interested in working for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service but always felt that he wasn’t good enough.

Thanks to the Princes Trust Course, along with the help from his team managers and peers on the team, his confidence improved and helped him believe that a career in the fire service was possible. Lee is a shining example of the work that the Princes Trust does for young people in our communities.

Lee has improved massively whilst working with our Protection Officers at Manchester Central station and now enjoys coming to work each day.

I recently asked Lee about his time with the fire service and he told me

“I’ve never polished boots so much in my entire life.”

“I am really proud of where I am today and when I look at the crest on my uniform, it is a constant reminder of how much I have improved.”

“I will always have endless respect for the Princes Trust and the Fire Service for the impact it has had on me. I can honestly say they have changed my life.”

If Lee’s story has inspired you to make a change, or you know someone you think could benefit and you are between 16-25 please get in touch with Angela Sands, Eccles Prince’s Trust Team Manager on 07854494816.

Bolton Cadets

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Over the past few weeks I have been involved in organizing the new cadet unit at Bolton Central Fire Station. 12 Community Fire Cadet Units are set up throughout Greater Manchester with our Bolton unit making the 13^th. Unlucky for some maybe, however I think I am truly lucky to be a part of this fantastic opportunity.

Our Cadets are now attending the Fire Station on a Tuesday evening. They seemed nervous in the first week but are now settling in, making friends and we are proud to have them as part of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two years, I along with GMFRS volunteers will be training them to gain a Level 2 BETEC award. They will learn how to run hose drills and learning everything else that you need to know about what the Fire Service do.

I will be keeping you updated on their progress and would love to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a cadet, anywhere in Greater Manchester.

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/fire_cadets.aspx

Sophie’s Story

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Sophie Williams is our new Community Safety Advisor Apprentice at Eccles Fire Station.

She first became involved with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service last year when she signed up for the Princes Trust team in Stockport.

Before Joining the Princes Trust, Sophie wasn’t sure what career path she wanted and moved from job to job hoping she’d find something she’d enjoy.

When Sophie was left unemployed she saw an advert in the newspaper and joined the Princes Trust Team in her area.

From there she gained confidence and through a work experience placement on the course, she worked closely with the Community Safety team at Whitehill Fire Station. Finding she enjoyed it, she hoped for this to be a future job prospect.

In October last year Sophie applied to become an apprentice and like us all here now was very proud to be part of a very unique opportunity.

Sophie said: “I really enjoyed my time at Whitehill and it pushed me more to reach my goal of working for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

 “I gained a lot of new skills on my work experience, learning the community safety advisor role and understanding of the different jobs within the service and the uniforms.”

Health,Safety and Wellbeing day at Manchester Metropolitan University

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Our apprentices over at Manchester Central have been working to educate students at Manchester Metropolitan University about fire safety.  The event, led by one of the apprentices from last year now with a full time Community Safety Advisor's position, educated students on kitchen safety and highlighted our ‘Ban the Pan’ campaign.

My Story - Michael

 Written by Apprentice Community Safety Advisor Michael Dunn

My name is Michael and I have recently started an apprenticeship as a Community Safety Advisor with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. I have been stationed at Manchester Central Fire Station, which is an amazing borough and located next to the fire service’s training centre therefore I’m in a very good location to work.

Before this apprenticeship I completed the Prince’s Trust programme with Manchester team 27. It was an incredible experience and it helped me in so many ways. The course opened me up to a variety of opportunities and enabled me to take part in life changing experiences acquiring many qualifications and memories along the way.

My first involvement with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service started a few years back when I completed a week’s work experience with the admin team. I have always been interested in the fire service but never thought of it as a career choice until I saw an advertisement for the Prince’s Trust and I thought it could be a foot in the door to the Service.

Throughout my time with GMFRS I have benefited from all the support that I have been given from so many different people, even those that don’t know me. To me GMFRS feels like a giant family which I am now part of – everyone looks after each other, takes care of each other and are very welcoming. My aspirations within the organisation are to one day be a Firefighter.

However, for now I shall keep working hard, standing tall and being proud that I am part of GMFRS and I’m lucky enough to wear the crest upon my chest.

Rochdale Skills Event

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

In March, one of our Business Safety Advisor Apprentices – Dominic Traynor – attended Rockdale’s Skills event along with local businesses to give Year 9 students the opportunity to explore different jobs and training options. Throughout the day, Dominic and other members on the team promoted our Community Fire Cadet Schemes, Volunteering opportunities and different pathways available to become part of GMFRS.

On speaking about the day, Dominic said: “As an apprentice with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, I am keen to speak to other young people.

“The Rochdale Skills event was an excellent opportunity to speak about my experiences so far and promote the Service’s apprenticeship scheme.

“I received positive feedback from those I spoke to, with many saying that they would consider becoming a member of the fire service through the various schemes that we have to offer.

“I believe that the event was a success and hope that we have spoken to futures members of GMFRS.”

My Story - Laura

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

My name is Laura and I have been involved with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for the past five years.

My journey began when I was 13-years-old. As a student at Wentworth High School, I attended an assembly where firefighters invited me to join the cadets at Eccles fire station.

  

Excitedly, I attended and over the following years I achieved a BETEC qualification in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community which is a nationally recognised qualification.

                                      

From there I have grown in confidence and in March of 2013 I became a volunteer and a cadet instructor at the unit where I first became a cadet.  Whilst working as a volunteer, I worked with the Chief Fire Officers Association as a Peer Leader. I enjoyed teaching emergency service cadets to a year six group in a school in Cheetham Hill.

In this time I had been through college but felt that university was not for me. I had heard of the apprenticeships last year and I was eager to apply. After consideration, whilst wanting to finish my A levels and awaiting a heart operation, I decided the best option was to apply the next year instead and I am so glad that I did.

Since joining the fire service at 13, I did not believe that I would be in the position I am today, although I’ve known since joining cadets I wanted to be employed by GMFRS.  I appreciate and cannot give thanks enough to all the people that have helped me achieve where I am today and for putting up with me in my early teenage years as a cadet.  It can’t have been easy.

If you are aged 13 ½ to 15 and want to find out more about joining your local community fire cadets group please visit,

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/fire_cadets.aspx

Fifty in Five Day

Written by Business Fire Safety Apprentice, Laura Broughton

On the March 7 the apprentices attended The Manchester College. However, rather than the usual Friday of classroom learning, we turned up smart, in uniform for a slightly different afternoon.

The Manchester College has been involved in creating the Fifty in Five Scheme for national apprenticeship week. The idea behind it was to take on fifty apprentices in five days. The Manchester College were able to achieve this and we were invited down on the fifth day for a little cake and a celebration.  We brought down a fire engine and our driving simulator to educate the students about road safety in line with our Community Safety messages.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Jack Webster who is Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services newest apprentice.  Jack was the fiftieth apprentice to sign up to the Fifty in Five Scheme and he is now working with our Incident Command IT team. 

To find out more about Manchester’s 50 in 5 scheme visit

http://www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/news/success-manchester-college-hits-50-5-target

Introducing Our New Apprentices

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

My name is Laura, I am one of the six new Business Safety Advisors and I work with the Protection team at Bolton Fire Station. Eleven other apprentices and I will be sharing our stories with you throughout the next twelve months. This year we have six more Community Safety Advisor Apprentices alongside a newly created position which like me are Business Safety Advisor Apprentices.

  Our journey started in February, where we all very nervously turned up to our training centre in Manchester. We were given basic training about the fire service for the following few weeks and handed our very own fire service uniform accompanied by some very shiny shoes. One thing that will stick in my mind is something one of the apprentices said on the second day. One of our Business Safety Advisors voiced his excitement exclaiming,

“I’m extremely proud to be able to part of the organisation and even more so to wear this badge on my chest.”

From then we have all settled into our positions on our own stations. All the apprentices attend The Manchester College on a Friday to complete our Level 2 qualification. Although we are off station everyone gets really excited to hear what each other has been up to and it is a great opportunity to catch up with everyone.