Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Cadets

Are you aged between 13-18? Want to learn important life skills and firefighting skills too?

We are currently recruiting for the Fleetwood unit, with the course due to resume in the summer of 2023. All other units are now fully subscribed. However, any interested applicants are still encouraged to make contact with those units and see about joining unit waiting lists.

We aim to provide young people with an insight into a uniformed service with basic firefighting skills being learnt alongside personal and social skills. We strive to deliver a quality programme that combines key operational skills with invaluable knowledge of the Fire and Rescue Service.

What does being a Fire Cadet mean?

Joining our Cadet force allows individuals to build their self-confidence and resilience whilst developing their leadership and teamwork ability. It’s also lots of fun and a great way to meet new friends whilst gaining a respected qualification that is recognised by the Fire and Rescue Service.

But don’t just take our word for it…

“Being a Fire Cadet has helped boost my confidence and bring my personality out. The cadet leaders have helped and supported me in many positive ways.”

“I am more confident around new people. The leaders have told me I can do things that at the time I thought I couldn’t do.”

“Fire Cadets have helped me gain more confidence and come out of my shell more. I’ve also gained new friends. The cadet leader has given me many opportunities to make me a better person and a better cadet.”

As a Fire Cadet you will:

  • Be treated like a young firefighter
  • Be provided with a service uniform and name badge as part of our uniformed service
  • Attend the weekly two hour session at your local fire station
  • Represent Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at community events
  • Learn important skills such as team building, leadership and communication
  • Learn self discipline, respect and consideration for others
  • Foster inclusive values
  • Possess a ‘can do’ attitude and always try your very best
  • Have the opportunity to be mentored by our operational firefighters and community safety team staff
  • Work as part of a team to build a safer and stronger Lancashire and wider community
  • Have a real passion and genuine interest in learning about the Fire and Rescue Service

Gain an accredited qualification

Our Fire Cadet programme provides qualifications through Skills for Justics (SFJ). During your first year as a cadet, you will complete an award and in the second year, you build on your skills in order to gain a full certificate.

SFJ Award in the Fire and Rescue Services in the community:

  • Functions and responsibility of the Fire and Rescue Service
  • Problem solving and communication skills
  • Community projects

SFJ Certificate in the Fire and Rescue Services in the community:

  • Healthy living in the Fire and Rescue Service
  • Science of fire
  • Fire investigation
  • Community safety
  • Fire ground exercise scenarios
  • Water safety and water rescue techniques
  • Citizenship

Fore more information on the Skills for Justice awards and certification in Fire and Rescue Services visit their website.

National Fire Cadets

National Fire Cadets vision: A world class, inclusive and progressive youth organisation, supported by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs), which inspires and empowers young people through nationally recognised community-centred programmes.
Mission: Open to all, we empower individuals to reach their full potential through a fun and progressive programme that delivers social action and skills development, contributing to safer, stronger and healthier communities.
Underlying principles
  • National brand, uniform, and logo.
  • National charter.
  • Core target age – 13 up to 18.
  • Shared vision, mission and aims.
  • Contribution to safer, stronger communities through social action.
  • Provides internal progression and recognition opportunities.
  • Route towards achievement of recognised qualifications on a modular basis.
  • Volunteer opportunities open to all.
  • Minimum programme length 12 months.

NFCC logo

Fire cadet logo

The Journey of a Fire Cadet

Where is my nearest cadet unit?

Morecambe Community Fire Station

Westgate, Morecambe LA4 4TA – Runs every Tuesday 18:00hrs – 20:00hrs.

Preesall Fire Station

Sandy Lane, Preesall, FY6 0EJ – Runs every Wednesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Skelmersdale Fire Station

Tanhouse Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 9NN – Runs every Tuesday 17:00 – 19:00hrs

Preston Fire Station

Blackpool Road, Preston, PR1 6US – Runs every Thursday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Darwen Fire Station

Union Street, Darwen, BB3 0DA – Runs every Wednesday 16:30 – 18:30hrs

South Shore Fire Station

St Annes Road, Blackpool, FY4 3AP – Runs every Wednesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Burnley Fire Station

Belvedere Road, Burnley, BB10 3AA – Runs every Wednesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

3 Steps to becoming a Lancashire Fire Cadet

  1. Complete a Fire Cadets application form
  2. Once completed return your application form to the Fire Cadet Co-ordinator by email or post to Gemma McDonough, Fire Cadets, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 3LH.
  3. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an informal interview at your local fire station.
Please note: Applications open in May. As our programme is very popular and fills up quickly, early application is advised to avoid disappointment. There may be other opportunities to join the Fire Cadets programme too, so contact your local Fire Cadet unit to find out more. 

fire cadet using a hose image

Why not volunteer to work with our Fire Cadet units?

We always welcome applications from individuals (aged 18+) who wish to volunteer to work alongside our staff with our Fire Cadet units. Please get in touch to discover what volunteer opportunities we currently have available in your area*.

Research shows that volunteering:

  • Provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.
  • Can help counteract the effects of stress, anger and anxiety.
  • Provides a sense of purpose.
  • Can bring fun and fulfilment to your life.
  • Connect you to others.
  • Enhances leadership.
  • Inspires young people to make a positive contribution to society.
  • Can make you feel part of a team.
*Please note: all our volunteers are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

firefighter and cadet extinguishing a fire image