Wick pupils set to benefit from voluntary scheme with local fire service
PUPILS at Wick High School are being given the opportunity to gain experience with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
With a target launch date of April, the Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) will operate primarily from the town's fire station.
Run on a rolling three-year programme, the scheme in Wick is the only one being provided in the Highlands and Islands, and one of only six throughout Scotland.
It is open to children aged 13 to 18 who wish to become youth volunteers with the SFRS.
The training will be similar to cadet-type programmes the fire service has run in the past, or ones still currently provided such as the HiFires and Fireskills, which was offered in Thurso recently.
Pupils taking part will gain a practical understanding of the SFRS and play a supportive role in their local communities.
Other benefits of the scheme include helping participants to become more successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors with improved life skills.
In addition the training is aimed at increasing capacity for further learning, employability and volunteering.
A member of the SFRS with responsibility for the scheme, Dean MacFadden, will visit the school on Wednesday (February 26) to speak with interested pupils.
Those planning to take part are being urged to let their guidance teacher know as soon as possible.
