West Midlands Fire Service have given a boost to the career ambitions of jobseekers in the West Midlands.

Thanks to a link-up with Birmingham Metropolitan College and the Department for Work and Pensions, 23 people have completed a six-week programme which included English and maths skills and customer service training, with a specific focus on employment opportunities at West Midlands Fire Service.

Participants attended a taster day at Handsworth Community Fire Station, gaining hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a firefighter. They also received job search advice, plus interview technique training. Sarah Warnes, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) Area Commander, said:

“We’re very pleased to have had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of people looking for their next career move. It was also an excellent opportunity to show the many different ways we support and work with local communities.

“The programme helped many of the participants to overcome doubts about their abilities and thrived after coming out of their comfort zones. Completing this course means they are on the right path to success.”

BMet is one of the UK’s largest further education colleges, with campuses both in the city and in Stourbridge. They provide a wide range of education, training and apprenticeship courses across the West Midlands. Katie Owen, Skills Engagement Manager at BMet, said:

“This pilot programme has been a tremendous success. It has significantly boosted the confidence of the jobseekers, encouraging them to pursue roles they would not have considered before now.

“Many of them will be applying to WMFS or will work towards gaining further qualifications to boost their chances of working for the fire service in the future.”