Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is inviting 16 to 25-year-olds across Merseyside to apply for a free personal development programme.



MFRS has been delivering the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which offers young people the chance to develop their teamwork and employability skills, for nearly 16 years.

Aimed at those not in education or employment, the 12-week programme develops skills to increase employment opportunities, as well as boosting confidence, teamwork and communication skills.

As well as completing a community project, participants take part in an outward-bound residential stay and undertake a two-week work placement. They get professional input on improving their CV and interview skills from MFRS’ corporate partners.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer for MFRS, Phil Garrigan, said: “The Prince’s Trust Team Programme helps young people gain the skills and confidence to find work.

“We at MFRS are delighted to work in partnership with the Prince’s Trust to deliver this highly successful programme which transforms lives.”

He added: “Students can try the programme for the first week before committing - but with one of the highest retention rates in England, it’s clear that our students really enjoy the programme and we’ve had some great successes.”

Naomi Campbell, 24, started the programme in September as part of her long-term goal to become a firefighter. After a work placement with Bouygues Energies & Services, who maintain MFRS premises and stations, Naomi secured a full-time position with them.

Paula Loughlin, contracts administrator, said: “Naomi was always punctual, smartly dressed and eager to learn. Based on this we have the great pleasure in offering Naomi a position with Bouygues Energies & Services as an administration assistant.”

Jay Case, 17, started the programme in May and wanted to improve his confidence and self-esteem, having suffered with depression during his first year of A Levels. After completing the programme, he enrolled at All Saints Catholic High School and is now thriving on his drama course and looking to apply to university in the New Year.

Jay said: “I really do think I’ve matured over the past three months and I’m in such a better place to study than I was when I started college in September last year.”

The next courses start in January 2018 and we are currently accepting referrals into all locations.

MFRS delivers the programme from six fire stations across Merseyside: Bromborough, Birkenhead, Bootle & Netherton, Huyton, Kirkby and Toxteth.
Students who live more than one mile away from the station will be offered free bus travel, and enrolment does not affect any benefits being received.

Anyone aged 16 to 25 years old who is not in education, employment or training, can get in touch with Tony Canavan, Youth Coordinator, on 0151 296 6464 or 07837 655627, to find out more and secure a place.