Volunteering with Fire Cadets

The Fire Cadets programme is delivered by volunteer firefighters, other fire service staff and adults from the local community. They help run our Cadet Units, from leading sessions, mentoring the young people or helping with the administration of the unit.

Our volunteers are aged 18 or over and have an interest in helping young people develop and achieve their potential. They have strong communication skills and the desire to develop and maintain positive relationships with young people. All our volunteers have an Enhanced DBS check prior to their involvement with our cadet units.

What is the commitment?

Fire Cadets meet for two hours, one evening a week at a local fire station during school term time. They are a part of a team rota but do not have to attend every week. Occasionally they are involved with weekend events. They need to complete an induction and other training courses to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver the programme and BTEC qualification.

Volunteer stories

Hear what our Fire Cadet volunteers have to say…

The Fire Cadets programme is delivered by volunteer firefighters, non-operational fire service staff and adults from the local community. There are a large number of different ways in which you can volunteer to help a Cadet Unit, from leading sessions, to being a role model and mentoring the young people or helping it the administration of the unit.

Name: Jane

Fire Cadet volunteering role: Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor  

How long have you been volunteering with HIWFRS?

“I’ve been volunteering as a Fire Cadet Instructor at Rushmoor since October 2024.”

What inspired you to volunteer with HIWFRS?

“I was looking at volunteer roles because I’d changed jobs and was working from home full time. I still wanted to get out and see people and interact with others. I’ve never volunteered for anything before, and I wanted to give something back. Every volunteer role I looked at previously required weekend support and with family life this would be too much for me. I work Monday- Friday full time too.

Then I saw an ad on Facebook for the Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor role. At first, I thought, it wasn’t for me but then it kept appearing, so I had a closer look. The time commitment of just two Wednesdays a month and one or two Saturdays a year really appealed to me, and Rushmoor is only a few miles from home.

My own children have attended all sorts of clubs over the years run solely by volunteers, so I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and give something back too.

My daughter joined the Rushmoor Fire Cadets back in September too and she’s absolutely loving it!”

Tell us more about your background and what you’ve done so far?

“This first year is all about learning as the intensive training weekend we had to start was brilliant, but it was a bit of a crash course in everything. At the moment I’ve been attending cadet sessions weekly to build on my learning and experience.

I’m the only Instructor at Rushmoor without fire-related experience but I think I bring something different to the role.

I worked in a school for 10 years in the premises and facilities, so I’m used to being around young people and I’m quite practical. I like getting the fire cadets to think outside the box and look at different ways to solve problems/overcome obstacles.”

Are there any highlights so far?

“One of the cadets was terrified of heights and when we did ladder training, she got up 4 rounds of the ladder (an amazing achievement considering how scared she was), and then she needed help getting down. I asked her if she had a loft at home and she did, so I suggested going up to sit in the loft to get used to the height and come down the ladder.  The following week when we were doing ladder training, she got all the way to the top and (with encouragement and support) came all the way down again.

Our cadets group are awesome, and they were all cheering her on too! That was a moment when I felt like a proud parent.

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with HIWFRS?

“I would say just go for it as it’s a lot of fun! The intensive weekend training for the Cadet Instructor role is quite hard, especially if you don’t come from a fire background, but people shouldn’t let that stop them. Although I don’t have a fire background myself, I bring different skills to the team. I get so much out of volunteering with fire cadets, I’ve had some great experiences, and I’ve learnt so much.”

Name: Josh

Occupation: Police Officer

Fire Cadet volunteering role: Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor  

How long have you been a Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor?

“I officially started in September 2022, but I have previously supported the cadets. I did a HIWFRS Prince’s Trust course and during this we were based with the fire cadets for a week. The Fire Cadet Lead Alex then suggested and encouraged me to apply for the role.

At the time, I was thinking I wanted to join the police, but the Prince’s Trust course threw my ideas to the wind, and I then decided I wanted to join the fire service.  In just a few months this role has already given me more of an understanding of the fire service.”

What are your responsibilities and how are you finding it so far?

“The role includes supporting with fire-drill training as well as safeguarding the young people. I like the fact that I’m responsible for the teaching aspect and making sure all the cadets are all working safely and well together is quite satisfying. I’ve also learnt a lot about the Service, so the cadets are developing their skills at the same time I’m developing mine.”

What do you get out of volunteering with Fire Cadets?

“So far the role has increased my knowledge of the fire service so it will hopefully be a real stepping-stone towards a future career in the fire service.”

What’s been your highlight so far?

“Teaching and the drills are the most exciting part. The instructors got to learn BA (Breathing Apparatus) training at the same time as the Fire Cadets while the firefighters were teaching. The firefighters also gave real-life examples of scenarios when they’ve had to use the techniques and equipment, so this was definitely a highlight as it made everything more real.”

What difference do you think your volunteer role makes?

“I’d like to think I’m making a big difference. The Fire Cadets regularly support wider community events such as remembrance services etc. and as instructors we supervise and support them to attend these events. Hopefully the fire safety advice they learn will help to keep them safe in the future too.”

Would you recommend this role to others and why?

“Yes, I would, especially if they want to join one of the blue light services as it gives you a great insight into potential responsibilities.  You can also learn fire drills in a more relaxed environment, at a slower pace which can help to build confidence for the future.”