Fire Service takes on summer interns

Two young people have spent three weeks within Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, gaining a unique insight into what it is like to work in an emergency service.

Ish and Charlotte, both 18, took part in a summer internship, working alongside teams in Prevention, Protection, and Training to learn and develop skills that could help to set them up for the future.

The interns even had the opportunity to see if they have what it takes to become a firefighter, taking part in physical challenges that have to be completed during the recruitment process.

Charlotte, a student at Northampton College, applied for the scheme after being encouraged by her Fire Cadet Leader.

With aspirations of becoming a firefighter, the internship has broadened Charlotte’s understanding of the role.

Charlotte said: “Completing this internship definitely cemented my ambition to become a firefighter, but it has also shown me how much more the role involves than people realise.

“It’s not just going to be responding to emergencies, it’s the prevention, protection and working as a team to keep the community safe.”

Ish, a Police Cadet, was encouraged to apply by his Deputy Head at Northampton International Academy. While he hopes to become a Police Officer, the internship has helped him explore other roles and develop valuable experience for the future.

Ish said: “The internship, particularly working within the Prevention Team, has opened my eyes to other roles I might now consider.

“What I have enjoyed the most is seeing how across all the departments, everyone shares the same commitment – to protect the public and keep them safe.”

The internship was a pilot scheme aimed at young people from under-represented groups who may be interested in a career in the Fire Service but might not think it is the space for them.

Charlotte and Ish’s experience and feedback will now be used to inform future schemes.

Head of Prevention, Safeguarding and Partnerships Lisa Bryan has led the internship programme. She said: “We wanted to offer young people the opportunity to gain practical experience within a Fire and Rescue Service.

“Both Charlotte and Ish immersed themselves in the organisation and it is great to hear that both want to join the emergency services.

“Their feedback will now help us to develop the programme further so we can invite more young people to join us next summer.”