Volunteering with Fire Cadets

We are currently recruiting Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors for our Eastleigh HQ, Sandown, Southsea units. Complete an application today!

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.

Find out more about the role here.

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: Finn

Occupation: Retained Firefighter at Gosport

Fire Cadet volunteering role: Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor  

How long have you been volunteering with the Service?

“I originally started as a Fire Cadet in Gosport in 2019.  After a year or so, I progressed to becoming a Crew Manager, and then became a Watch Manager the following year. I’ve been a Fire Cadet Volunteer Instructor at Gosport for about a year now.”

What inspired you to volunteer with HIWFRS?

“I think it was the knowledge I gained from my own instructors that inspired me. After my own experience and time as a cadet, I wanted to pass that knowledge onto the next cohort of cadets and give something back.”

Can you tell us more about your volunteer role? What activities have you been involved in?

“The Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor role takes up around 3 hours per week but it’s so rewarding.
It’s good to see the cadets from when they start out, most of them quite shy and then see how their confidence grows and they build friendships and get better at teamwork.

It can involve anything from drill yard training (hoses and ladders) to teaching the cadets about fire prevention and paperwork.
It’s also a chance to build on your own leadership skills.”

What’s your favourite thing about volunteering?

“I think seeing the development the cadets go through is the most rewarding thing for me and for them as well because, it’s their course, they get a qualification out of it, and they grow their confidence and team building skills too. I also really enjoy teaching.”

Are there any highlights that stand out?

“A couple stand out. One of the new cadets wasn’t too keen on hose reel running when they started, so we moved onto ladder drills. Once they were confident with the ladder drills, they then went back to the hoses and persevered until they improved. It’s great to see the cadets progress in this way and build up their skills.

Another highlight was receiving a Christmas card from one of the Fire Cadets last year with a heartfelt message saying that we are an inspiration and he wants to join the fire service. Before that I hadn’t really considered myself to be a role model.”

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering with HIWFRS?

“I would say just join up as it’s definitely worth it. It also allows you to build on your own skills and teaching ability.”