Sunderland youngsters celebrate completion of special courses run by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

tyne and wear fire and rescue

Sixteen to 25-year-olds in Sunderland have gathered today to celebrate the completion of a 12-week course run by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and funded by the Prince’s Trust.

Students who attended the Prince’s Trust Team Programme each presented a short piece about their time on the course, before being presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran and Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The courses provide young people, who are unemployed and living in the south of Sunderland, a chance to learn new skills to help them into work, education or training, as well as the opportunity to meet others, experience the workplace and plan the future.

Part of the programme involved the students taking part in an outdoor residential, painting and decorating Penshaw Community Association, raising funds for St Benedict’s Hospice and helping young children in Sunderland Royal Hospital creating Easter-themed arts and crafts to lift their spirits.

The students also completed a variety of short courses including two days of firefighting skills, drug and alcohol awareness, interview skills, money management, equality and diversity activities and courses to improve their CV writing skills and interview techniques.

Prince’s Trust team leader for Marley Park Community Fire Station, Sharann Smith, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am incredibly proud of their achievements. This event is a great way of recognising their success, especially in front of their friends and family. They’ve all come a long way and developed their skills and confidence which can ultimately help them gain employment. They have done so well and I would like to wish them all the best for the future.”

The next course in Sunderland starts on 9 May 2016 and runs for 12 weeks. To find out more, contact the Prince’s Trust team on 0191 444 1175 or text FIRE to 07584 006915.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.