Youth Volunteer Scheme

The Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) is a national programme for young people aged 12–18. It gives young people the chance to learn new things, help in their community, and work towards a safer Scotland.

The YVS is a safe and welcoming place where young people can learn about the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

• Personal Development
  The YVS helps young people build confidence, improve communication skills, feel part of a team, and learn how to be positive role models in their community.

• Skills and Learning
  Youth Volunteers will learn useful skills for life, school, and work. They get to see how a fire station works and learn from SFRS staff and take part in activities to understand what it’s like to work in the fire and rescue service.

• Community and Teamwork
  Young people work together, support each other, and learn to be good team members. They learn about community safety and how their actions can help others. Youth Volunteers become young ambassadors for SFRS and role models in their communities.

• Inclusion and Participation
  The YVS provides a safe and welcoming space where everyone can take part.

YVS volunteers take part in many different activities, including:

• Learning about the fire and rescue service
• Taking part in simple drills
• Learning about safety and prevention
• Helping with community events

Volunteers may also help with local activities such as:

• Litter picks
• Charity car washes
• Event marshalling
• Fundraising
• Sharing safety messages

Please note that the YVS is not a way to guarantee a job as a firefighter, but we can offer support and guidance to any of our Youth Volunteers who are interested in joining SFRS in the future.

Follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information:

• Facebook - @SFRSYVS
• X - @SFRSYVS

You can also find a list of our current and future schemes here: Interested in Joining

Young people aged 12–17 can apply by filling in our application form. Please tell us where you live and the YVS location you are interested in.

We will contact you only if there is a YVS group running near you.
If the group is full, we may add your name to a waiting list.

https://firescotland.workflowcloud.com/forms/a980bdd6-7740-4e7f-ae1e-8422ed29dc06

Adults can also volunteer with the YVS. As Volunteer Youth Instructors, you will:

• Help run weekly sessions at local fire stations
• Support and guide young people
• Teach different parts of the SFRS syllabus
• Represent SFRS at events such as community and national events

Instructors come from all walks of life and get training and support to ensure they can carry out their role and build their own skills too.

Anyone can apply, SFRS staff or members of the public. Any contribution is welcome, whether you can help once a month or every week.

Apply anytime via My Job Scotland.