The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service cadet scheme is the first of it's kind to be run by the Service in the county. The first cadet unit, based at Worthing Fire Station, opened in June 2001 and following the success of this a second unit at Bognor Regis Fire Station has been established this year 2003.

The Worthing and Bognor cadet units, which meets every Thursday evening, is open to young people aged between 13 and 17 years old and gives them the opportunity to learn a wide range of new skills within the framework of a uniformed disciplined youth organisation.

The cadet unit has it's own fire appliance and equipment. Cadets undertake a structured training programme comparable to that of operational firefighters. This includes training in firefighting, search and rescue techniques, first-aid, drill training, water safety and life-saving skills.

This not only provides them with an insight into the work of the fire service but also enables them to develop leadership qualities and team-working skills which will be useful in other areas of their lives.

In addition to the activities undertaken on Thursday evenings, Fire Cadets are able to take part in some additional activities at weekends and during school holidays. There are also opportunities to become involved in a variety of community service initiatives and community fire safety campaigns to increase fire safety awareness among people in the county.

The cadet scheme forms part of the County Council's Community Safety Strategy and aims to develop young people's awareness of the dangers that face them in everyday life, whilst at the same time enabling them to give something back to the community in which they live.

Pioneering Training

The Cadet Units have become the first in the country to commence training for a BTEC Award in Basic Firefighting Skills.

The Worthing Unit has become an accredited satellite centre for the Fire Services Youth Training Association by being able, not only to deliver the competency-based training required to achieve the BTEC award, but also to internally verify each qualifying stage.

Once the cadets have completed their BTEC award, they will move on to learn a range of survival skills and participate in other award schemes as well as commencing work in the community.

Want to know more about what the fire cadets get up to Click here for a summary of the events that have taken place during 2001-2. You can also contact the Cadet Liaison Officer on or by emailing