People and skills

New investment for Fire Cadets in England

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Fire cadets learning to use fire hoses as part of their training. Photo credit: NFCC.
Fire cadets learning to use fire hoses as part of their training. Photo credit: NFCC.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has secured just over £500k to expand the reach and impact of the UK Fire Cadets programme meaning a further 343 new places for young people across England as well as support to recruit 100 new Fire Cadet lead volunteers.

The funding comes from a £7.5m Uniformed Youth Fund managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Fire Cadets provide opportunities for young people aged 13-18 through structured, skill-building activities to develop confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, says the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

As well as recruiting new Fire Cadets, the funding will also be used to replace end-of-life equipment, uniform and PPE, deliver accredited training including the Level 2 NFCC Introduction to Working with Children and Young People and a new Fire Cadet Leaders Course. 

“We are proud to have secured this vital investment for the UK Fire Cadets programme. This funding will allow us to reach more young people – particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities – and offer them meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop valuable skills, and connect with their communities in powerful ways.

“The Fire Cadets programme is about more than just skills, it’s about shaping futures, fostering resilience, and inspiring the next generation to make a difference.” 

Phil Garrigan. Chair NFCC.

There are currently more than 2,550 Fire Cadets volunteering out of 210 Fire Cadet Units, with the target age of the Fire Cadet Programme being 13-17 years old. 

The grant will support the development of new Fire Cadet units in Cheshire, Cumbria, Essex County, Greater Manchester, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Humberside, Kent, Lincolnshire, London, Merseyside, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Tyne & Wear, and East Sussex.

Existing Fire Cadet Units receiving bursary support will include Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Hereford & Worcester, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Royal Berkshire, and West Sussex. 

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Catherine Levin

Catherine writes and commissions content from across the emergency services as well as interviewing senior leaders. She also hosts our webinar series exploring timely topics with a range of speakers.

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