New College Durham celebrates the success of the first cohort of learners to complete Fire Futures – Preparation Pathway, helping them to prepare for a career in the fire service.
The first group of 14 learners recently attended their very own ‘Passing Out’ ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of a pioneering new fire-service preparation programme delivered in partnership between New College Durham (NCD) and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).
The 13-week programme, designed for anyone aged 19 and over, was created to support individuals taking their first exciting steps towards a career in the fire service. Successful participants completed sessions combining practical training, accredited learning, and employability development, culminating in a Level 2 qualification in Safeguarding and Prevention.
Delivered across multiple venues – including New College Durham’s newly developed Training & Skills Development facility, and fire stations at Durham and Bishop Auckland, the course provided learners with a realistic insight into fire service careers. Participants undertook fitness training, mock recruitment assessments, safeguarding and prevention training, and received tailored support with the fire service’s dedicated online recruitment process. The programme also focused on wellbeing, resilience, teamwork, communication, and interview skills.
Subject to meeting recruitment requirements, including assessments and fitness testing, successful completion of the programme places participants in a strong position for future recruitment. They gain the opportunity to qualify for a guaranteed interview during any forthcoming fire service recruitment process.
Following the success of the first intake, NCD and CDDFRS are planning to continue delivering their shared commitment to developing skilled, confident, and work-ready individuals for careers in the fire service. For those interested in a future in the fire service, or any of the fantastic, uniformed services, contact New College Durham to find out more.