FIVE trail-blazing apprentices have become the first in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s history to take on new prevention officer roles – and they’re already making a real difference in their communities.
The new recruits – covering Southend, Basildon, Harlow, Colchester and Clacton, work closely with all colleagues in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a variety of prevention activities including home safety visits, fitting lifesaving smoke alarms and signposting residents to vital health and wellbeing services.
The 18-month scheme – the first of its kind for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service – combines hands-on community work with a Level 3 qualification in Community Health and Wellbeing. It’s designed to give local people a new route into the emergency services and to support the Service’s prevention work designed to make our communities safer.
The apprenticeship scheme aims to formally link the work of the fire and rescue service with the wider impact on health such as smoking, mobility, falls, social isolation and education.
Two of the apprenticeships have been part-funded through a partnership with the NHS North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance Age Well fund, reflecting a joint commitment to help older residents live safely and independently at home.
The apprenticeship programme is designed to give recruits both hands-on experience and formal learning.
Over 18 months, they will work towards a Level 3 qualification in Community Health and Wellbeing, while gaining practical experience alongside operational crews, Safe and Well Officers and partner organisations, supporting collaborative and multi-agency working. This collaborative approach will help them understand how fire and rescue links with wider health and wellbeing.
Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a landmark moment for us and for the communities we serve. Our apprentice prevention officers are already out supporting residents to live more safely and independently at home, while gaining the skills and qualifications to build a fantastic career for themselves in the future.”
“We’re proud of their passion and commitment and everything they have achieved within the first two months. This scheme is about investing in local people, opening doors to future careers, and keeping Essex safe for generations to come.”
