Description
Please note that this is a volunteer role and a salary is not paid.
To support the delivery of SFRS's Fire Cadet Programme by mentoring and instructing young people aged 13–17. Volunteer instructors play a vital role in helping cadets develop life skills, confidence, and an understanding of fire and community safety. You will support cadets to achieve a BTEC Level 2 Award in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community which is a modular programme aimed at giving the cadets the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised accreditation.
Dates: Cadet meetings will happen every Wednesday evening during school term time, starting September 2026.
Times: Between 16:45 - 18:45 (approx. 2 hours).
Your commitment: You don't need to attend every Wednesday evening but ideally you'd be able to commit to at least two Wednesdays per month. We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to the full 12-month cycle of supporting this cohort of young people. This is to ensure a rewarding and consistent experience for everyone, although we understand that you can end your volunteering at any time.
Training: We aim to open the cadet unit in September 2026. We will offer ongoing training to fire cadet volunteers. These training sessions will cover safeguarding as a baseline and more tailored training around our approach to working with young people. You will need to attend as many of these training sessions as possible. The training sessions will be held either online or in person at Walton Fire Station. More details will be shared closer to the time. We are aiming for the first cohort of cadets to have achieved their BTEC by the end of July 2027. We will then look to recruit a new cohort of young people to become fire cadets in September 2027.
Reports to: Cadet Coordinator and Volunteer Manager
Key responsibilities
1. Assist staff instructors to deliver weekly cadet sessions, including:
2. Classroom-based learning (e.g. fire safety, first aid, leadership)
3. Team building and community engagement activities
4. Fire service drills (e.g. hose handling, ladder drills)
If you would like to assist in drill yard activities, like hose running and ladder pitching, we will offer specific training for this. It is not compulsory for all volunteers to work on the drill yard, but should you wish to do so we will require a physical activity readiness questionnaire to be completed.
5. Assist with supervising cadets during sessions and at public events
6. Act as a positive role model, promoting discipline, respect, and teamwork
7. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of cadets in line with safeguarding policies
8. Support cadets in achieving a BTEC Level 2 award in Fire and Rescue Services in the community.
Skills & experience
Essential:
9. Good communication and interpersonal skills
10. Ability to engage and motivate young people
11. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
12. Willingness to undertake training (including safeguarding and first aid)
13. You must be over 18 to apply for this role.
Desirable:
14. Experience working with young people or in a mentoring role
15. Knowledge of fire service operations or youth development programmes
What we offer
16. Full training and induction including uniform and ID badge
17. Ongoing support and development opportunities
18. Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
19. The chance to make a real difference in young people's lives and your community
How to apply
To be shortlisted for interview please outline in a covering letter (maximum 500 words):
20. Why would you like to be cadet volunteer?
21. Please share relevant skills, knowledge, and any experience you have in volunteering and engaging with the public and young people.
Deadline for applications for the cadet volunteer role is 17:00 on Friday 1st May.
Commitment Wording
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.