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.