FireSkills

What are FireSkills

FireSkills is a fully flexible programme aimed to develop core skills. It includes a range of sessions based on firefighter drills. These are modelled on firefighter drills to build skills in:

• problem solving

• basic first aid and CPR

• team working and team leading

• confidence and communication

• citizenship skills

• an understanding of the contribution that we and other agencies make to our communities

These activities are adapted to provide a unique learning experience for young people.

Who is FireSkills programme for?

FireSkills is designed to support young people, aged between 12 and 18, who are currently engaged with partner agencies to develop core skills in a practical setting. It is suitable for a wide range of learners and there are no prerequisites.

Please note that this programme is delivered exclusively with partner agencies.

How long does a programme last?

The programme consists of a range of individual sessions that can be bolted together to provide a course ranging from 2.5 hours to 40 hours. 

FireSkills is typically delivered during school hours; however, with local agreement, it may also be offered on weekends or in the evening.

Partner agencies and referring young people

We will work closely with partner agencies to identify local needs and select the appropriate sessions.

Partner agencies will get consent from the young person before refering them to the programme. Our current partners include:

• Education

• Social Work

• Police Scotland

• Community Learning & Development

You can find out about how we will process young people’s personal data in the Fireskills Privacy Notice.

Find FireSkills activities near you

To find out what FireSkills activities are going on contact your local community action team. They can also let you know how we are helping develop and support young people in your area.

FireSkills Employability Award (FEA)

The FireSkills Employability Award provides formal recognition of the young people’s achievements. In partnership with Ayrshire College, key sessions have been credit levelled on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) to provide 4 credits at level 4.

This enables learners to:

• add an accredited learning programme to their portfolio, which can support applications for employment or further or higher education
• identify transferrable skills and recognise prior learning for further education and employment opportunities

The FEA is designed to suit a wide range of learners and there are no pre-requisites for entry on to the programme. Because of the delivery level this programme would be best suited for those 14 years and over.

Set criteria for the programme must be adhered to. All the learning outcomes must be undertaken and successfully achieved

You can find out more about FireSkills activities in your area by contacting your local community action team.