GMFRS welcome 22 new recruits in the first Pass Out Parade of 2021

Yesterday, (Thursday, April 29, 2021), saw 22 apprentice firefighters celebrate their successes at the first ‘Passing Out Parade’ of 2021, following an intensive 15-week operational training course.

The event was livestreamed for families to watch from the safety of their own homes while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place at this time.

The training of most of the new recruits has been funded by Reed, who have provided funding through the Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking Service.

The Matchmaking Service is delivered by The Growth Company and since it launched in 2019, Greater Manchester has been paving the way in providing apprenticeship opportunities for local people. The service has continued to link the city-region’s businesses with a skilled workforce despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head of Apprenticeships at Reed, Christine Holland said:

“It’s important to make sure that everyone is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. That’s why we have chosen to share our unspent levy to provide opportunities for apprentices to make their mark, follow their passion and help our local community. We’re happy to support the partnership between GMFRS and Reed and provide equal opportunities for those who want to develop themselves and their future aspirations.”

The recruit firefighters have now completed the first part of a nationally developed apprenticeship standard. All of our apprentice firefighters will undertake the two-year programme to achieve the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Standard which will help them gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable them to become a competent, modern-day firefighter.

Four stand-out firefighters on the course were selected and presented with the individual awards from GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Dave Russel, Deputy CFO Dawn Docx, Assistant CFO Steve Morgan, and Learning and Development Manager Su Matthews.

Endeavour award – Scott Jarvis
Academic award – Stephen Stennett
Fitness award – Joe Lightfoot
Silver Axe award – Logan Tomkins

The Silver Axe is presented by the CFO to the trainee firefighter who, in the eyes of the training staff, has displayed and maintained exemplary standards in all aspects of the training course throughout the 15-weeks.

Closing the ceremony, CFO Dave Russel, said:

“I know our new firefighters have put a lot of time, effort and dedication into the intense training course. It is a brilliant accomplishment to become a firefighter at GMFRS. Our new recruits have demonstrated over the 15 weeks that they are up for the challenge, can meet expectation, and they will be a proud, fantastic asset to this organisation.

“I hope that our new recruits share the pride in their achievements that will be felt by their friends, families and new colleagues across Greater Manchester. It doesn’t stop here, it starts here. We will do as much as we possibly can to support you in your journey and I wish you all the very best.”

We’d like to convey our congratulations to the recruits who will now be posted to community fire stations across Greater Manchester, where their apprenticeship training will continue until they become fully qualified firefighters.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice firefighter in Greater Manchester then head to the GMFRS website – where you can learn more about the roles and services available, and complete an ‘expression of interest’ form.

Applications are particularly welcomed and encouraged from groups who are currently under-represented in our Service, including people who identify as female, people from minority ethnic groups, people who are not in education, employment or training, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.