Fire Cadets showcase their skills to Cabinet Secretary

Jayne Bryant MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, visited Ely Fire Station on Monday 10th March to observe the valuable work being carried out by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s (SWFRS) Fire Cadet unit.

The Fire Cadet programme, which has been running for several years within SWFRS, involves cadet units at many of the Service’s 47 fire stations. This initiative offers young people an exciting opportunity to explore a career in the emergency services, while developing essential life skills, such as self-discipline, teamwork, and social confidence.

During her visit, Ms Bryant had the chance to witness the impressive skills the cadets have developed over the course of their two-year programme. The cadets demonstrated their proficiency in essential firefighting techniques, including ladder hoisting for casualty rescue and using hoses to extinguish a simulated industrial bin fire – all while emphasising safety and efficiency.

ACFO Dean Loader and GM Richie Smart guided the Cabinet Secretary through the demonstration, showcasing the equipment and techniques that are integral to the cadets’ training.

Fire Cadet Instructor, Robert Picton, also highlighted the programme’s significance, noting that the cadets not only learn vital firefighting skills but also build team cohesion and a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. He said, “As fire cadets, these young individuals are treated as trainee firefighters, learning core emergency responder skills while engaging in activities at their local fire station. They are expected to show discipline and commitment, mirroring the dedication of our firefighters. This prepares them for success in life, whether they choose to pursue a career in the fire service or not.”

Following the demonstrations, the cadets had the opportunity to speak directly with the Cabinet Secretary, sharing their aspirations to further their careers within the fire service.

Many expressed their ambitions to become future firefighters, while others spoke about recruiting new cadets from their schools and social circles, emphasising the importance of building both social skills and career-focused aspirations.

Cadet Instructor Norman Rees praised Ely Fire Station for its exceptional support of the cadet programme. “The station crews have been incredibly welcoming, and we’re working on ways to show our gratitude. One idea is to organise an evening where the cadets cook for the watch – and it’ll give them a sharpen their cooking skills,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the cadets are excited to compete in the upcoming Cadets Challenge, which will take place at the South Wales Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre on 5th April. The cadets expressed their confidence about their chances of securing a win this year.

The Cabinet Secretary offered her full support, wishing the Ely Fire Cadets the best of luck in the upcoming competition. “It was wonderful to visit Ely Fire Station and meet the Fire Cadets and their instructors to hear firsthand about their experiences with the programme and see them in action.

“Their teamwork, enthusiasm, and support for one another was truly inspiring and I am confident that we have some excellent future firefighters among the Ely unit.

“It is crucial that children have safe spaces to learn new skills and socialise and I am so thankful to SWFRS and their dedicated instructors for providing such a nurturing and supportive environment in the local community.”

For more information on the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Cadet programme, please visit this page.