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.