SEVEN young people have shown their burning desire to impress employers.
The group have just completed a BTEC Level 2 fire and rescue in the community qualification at Peaks Lane Fire Station.
The course, funded by the Grimsby Institute, aims to promote self discipline and boost the confidence of participants as well as giving them useful qualifications.
Watch manager Neil Bettney, who leads the Learning Centre at Humberside Fire And Rescue Service says the course can be a real boost to the young people.
"All the people taking part are what is known as NEETs. These are young people not in employment, education or training.
"Young people can find it difficult to get a job and we hope this course can make a difference.
"We are not training them to be firefighters, we are showing them discipline, punctuality and helping them gain confidence in their abilities.
"They also get a qualification in first aid and health and safety.
"We have seen these young people change so much in just a short space of time.
"Some are now looking at jobs they never felt capable of, but now they have the confidence to take on new challenges.
"It has also been great for the crews here, this is a way of showing people the hard work we do and a way to help people."
Josh Moore, 20, of Wybers Wood, Grimsby, who was also named the top student of the course, says it's difficult for young people to get jobs.
"It has been difficult to find a job, but this course has inspired me to join the RAF and become firefighter.
"I am really proud that I have achieved this.
"I am currently learning to drive and have more confidence than before.
"Hopefully, having these qualifications will help me and others get employment.
I would recommend the course to anyone and I have already asked if I can come back and help on the course in future.
"I want to thank our trainers for all their hard work, I have enjoyed every minute of it."
Donna Finney, partnership administrator for Grimsby Institute says the course aims to give valuable skills to young people.
She said:"The Institute is working in partnership with Peaks Lane Fire Station to make this course available.
"All the students have done really well and the skills they have learnt are transferable to all jobs.
"Employers can look at their CVs and see they have proven themselves committed to punctuality and hard work."
There are still places available on the next on the course, which starts on May 23. For more information, contact Grimsby JobCentre Plus on 0845 604 3719 or the Learning Centre at Humberside Fire And Rescue Service.
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