YOUNGSTERS from across Dorset learnt teamwork, first aid and basic firefighting skills on a course.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, working with the Job Centre, recently took on seven young people from across the county, to take part in the SPARC project.

The initiative, known as the Safer People and Responsible Communities programme, allowed the seven young people, aged between 18 and 24, to learn basic firefighting skills, participate in team building activities and gain transferable skills for the work place.

The youngsters spent the seven day course, completed across three weeks, at Springbourne fire station.

The course is specifically designed to provide challenges to enhance communication skills, encourage teamwork and raise achievement levels and self-discipline in a controlled environment.

The young people received input on completing a CV, as well as gaining qualifications that they can use in the work place. These include first aid skills and an award for Personal Licence Holders, which enables them to sell alcohol in licensed premises.

Rosemary Locock, education officer for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The seven day course, which has taken place over the last three weeks, has allowed these young people to improve their communication and confidence skills and raise their self-esteem.”

She added: “The project is delivered by specially trained firefighters who encourage the young people to practice search and rescue techniques and assist in the recovery of a casualty from a smoke-filled building. The aim is to take the young person outside their comfort zone and boost their self-belief through achievement.

“To do this they need to be able to demonstrate good communication skills, team work and leadership. All these activities can be related and transferred to the work environment.”

Andy Cullen, of Jobcentre Plus in Dorset, said they were happy to be working with the fire service to provide the unique course.

He said: “It’s proved to have been very successful in building the confidence and self-belief of those taking part, which will stand them in good stead as they look to promote themselves in the jobs market.”