In 2016, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service piloted a new Cadets+ scheme which gives children and young people the opportunity to achieve their full potential and attain the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E), Bronze Award.

Teaming up with D of E has enabled Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to offer their Cadets an internationally recognised award which is acknowledged by employers and universities as a mark of real personal development and achievement.

Cadets in action Through a structured and varied range of fire and rescue-led activities, Cadets will gain the confidence to interact with their community and become local ambassadors, teaching people the importance of fire safety and fire prevention.

Cadets+ provides young people with various skills throughout, including teamwork, problem solving and communication. As well as activities which prepare young people for adult life by teaching them to enjoy good physical and mental health and live a healthy lifestyle.

• The Cadet+, D of E Bronze programme can be started at 14-years-old up to 18-years-old.
• A Bronze D of E programme has four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. A minimum of three months activity must be completed for each of the sections, Volunteering, Physical and Skills. The Expedition section involves Cadets planning, training for and taking part in a two day (one night) expedition.
• An extra three months must be spent on one of the three sections: Volunteering, Physical or Skills. The content of the Cadet + programme is such that it will allow each Cadet to reach an adequate level within each section to complete the expectations of the Bronze Award.
• The course will be delivered on a weekly basis fulfilling a 26 week programme. It will usually take at least 6 months to complete the Bronze programme.

 For more information contact Partnership and Engagement Coordinator, Harry Alcock at harry.alcock@staffordshirefire.gov.uk