On 25 Jan 2021, 17 whole-time recruits started on their fire service apprenticeship scheme journey at the Fire Service College. The course was broken down into three syndicates consisting of a variety of skills and experience from previous employment and each syndicate was assigned a monitor to help them progress.
Throughout the course, each module brought a different challenge where recruits learnt new skills, and had to demonstrate knowledge and understanding through assessments.
As the course progressed, so did the confidence in delegates, displaying a variety of personal qualities and Service values.
Like the majority of initial recruits training there is always a Silver Axe Award and a Most Improved Recruit Award. Both these awards were decided and agreed by HWFRS and FSC staff, it came down to the last week to decide the ownership of these awards as all delegates performed to a high standard, something which they can all be proud of.
For this particular course, the Silver Axe was awarded to FF Lisa Campbell, who will be joining Bromsgrove Blue watch, and the Most Improved Award went to FF Jake Colquhoun, who will be joining Redditch white watch.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Celebration of Success ceremony was very low key, but the Service will be hosting a full celebration in the future so their families can celebrate their well deserved achievement.