Students enjoy intense training programme with fire service

Public Service and Construction students from Crawley College recently completed an IGNITE programme ran by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.   

IGNITE, which launched just last year, is a week-long training programme aimed at young people aged 16 and above to push those interested in the services further in their education.  

It covers a wide range of activities and drills including running hoses, squirting water, putting up ladders, rat run tasks and much more to give each participant a realistic experience as a firefighter.  

Alongside the physical aspects of the course, the students were given the opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition and take part in discussions and mindfulness activities.  

After the programme wrapped up at Crawley Fire Station, guests were invited to share all 13 students’ success at a passing out parade in front of The High Sheriff of West Sussex Andy Bliss QPM.  

Paul Loader, Lecturer in Public Services, said: “This was such a fantastic programme for our students to get a real feel for what work would be like if they decide to join the fire service.  

“All of the students who completed IGNITE should be extremely proud of themselves and thank Crawley Fire Station for who providing such a great week of training.”