Fire Cadets is a youth initiative for 12 to 16 year olds and is run by firefighters, staff and volunteers with support from the Service’s Safety Education Team. Fire Cadets participate in practical and theoretical fire and rescue service activities, including hose drills, breathing apparatus procedures and fire safety awareness sessions. The scheme teaches young people essential life skills such as self-discipline, confidence and leadership.

Recruitment for Fire Cadets is now open, and the course is due to run from the week commencing Monday, 30 October 2023 to July 2024. The Fire Cadets course runs for the academic year, in term time only.

There are four Fire Cadet Units in Berkshire – which are based at Crowthorne Fire Station, Maidenhead Fire Station, Whitley Wood Fire Station and Newbury Fire Station.

If you are between 12 and 16 years old and are interested in this opportunity, or if you know someone who would be interested in taking part, please email the relevant Cadet unit to register your interest before Saturday, 30 September. The unit’s Lead Instructor will then respond to you with an application form for you and your parent/guardian to complete.

At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we want you to bring your whole self to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Simply: Our community is varied and diverse. Our workforce should be too.

At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, everyone is welcome.To find out more, visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages.