Under-represented groups wanted for fire service’s internship scheme

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is seeking motivated young people from ethnic backgrounds that are currently under-represented within the workforce, to take part in the Chairman’s Internship Scheme.

The service wants to encourage people who may not have considered a career in the fire and rescue sector to explore some of the many roles available to them as it continues to wards an inclusive culture of equality and diversity.

Interested interns who want to join the five-to-six-week scheme can apply to the service, and the internship can be arranged to fit in with school or college term dates and other individual commitments.

Each intern will have the opportunity to gain valuable real-world work experience and transferable skills that they can take with them into their future careers or academic pursuits.

During the programme, interns will take part in learning and development workshops to enhance their skills, as well as visits to fire stations across the county.

As part of the scheme, each successful applicant will be paid an hourly wage of £8. They will also receive access to tailored support and flexible working arrangements to help them make the most of their time with the Service.

Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at RBFRS, said: “This scheme is an exciting opportunity.

“It offers a paid internship and will give these students a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills and enhance their future education and career prospects in a supportive work environment.

“As a service, we are committed to engaging with young people in our communities and expanding career pathways into the fire and rescue service.

“We look forward to welcoming our new interns.”

To qualify for the internship, applicants must live in Berkshire, be between the ages of 16 and 18 years old, and come from an ethnic group that is under-represented in Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

For more information, visit: rbfrs.co.uk/careers/chairmans-internship/