Meet our new Apprentice Protection Officers

Five trail-blazing apprentices have become the first in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s history to take on new prevention officer roles - and they’re already making a real difference in their communities. 

The new recruits - covering Southend, Basildon, Harlow, Colchester and Clacton, work closely with all colleagues in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a variety of prevention activities including home safety visits, fitting lifesaving smoke alarms and signposting residents to vital health and wellbeing services.

The 18-month scheme – the first of its kind for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service – combines hands-on community work with a Level 3 qualification in Community Health and Wellbeing. It’s designed to give local people a new route into the emergency services and to support the Service’s prevention work designed to make our communities safer. 

The apprenticeship scheme aims to formally link the work of the fire and rescue service with the wider impact on health such as smoking, mobility, falls, social isolation and education.

Two of the apprenticeships have been part-funded through a partnership with the NHS North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance Age Well fund, reflecting a joint commitment to help older residents live safely and independently at home.

The apprenticeship programme is designed to give recruits both hands-on experience and formal learning.

Over 18 months, they will work towards a Level 3 qualification in Community Health and Wellbeing, while gaining practical experience alongside operational crews, Safe and Well Officers and partner organisations, supporting collaborative and multi-agency working. This collaborative approach will help them understand how fire and rescue links with wider health and wellbeing.

Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a landmark moment for us and for the communities we serve. Our apprentice prevention officers are already out supporting residents to live more safely and independently at home, while gaining the skills and qualifications to build a fantastic career for themselves in the future.”

"We’re proud of their passion and commitment and everything they have achieved within the first two months. This scheme is about investing in local people, opening doors to future careers, and keeping Essex safe for generations to come.”

Our apprentice prevention officers:

Evie Wilson – Colchester
“I’ve really enjoyed my first two months in the role. We’ve been visiting people’s homes to carry out home safety checks, and it’s rewarding to know that you’re leaving someone safer as a result of what you’ve done. Every visit teaches you something new, and it’s great to be learning while making a real difference.

Penny Thompson – Clacton
“The training has been very hands-on and practical, which is the best way for me to learn. I’ve already had the chance to get involved in so much more than I expected, and I’m looking forward to developing my skills further.

"What I’ve enjoyed most is how quickly we were able to get involved. It’s not just classroom learning – from the very start we’ve been out in the community, learning on the job and making a difference.

"I feel really proud to have this opportunity. Every day is different, and I’m excited to see where this role can take me.”

"I’m delighted to be part of this apprenticeship. It’s such a rewarding role and I’m proud to be helping to keep people in my community safe.”

Jade O’Neill – Southend

“I’m so pleased I took this step. It’s a job that really matters to our communities and I’m proud to be part of the first group of apprentices.

“As well as fitting smoke alarms to help keep people safe, we also support residents in many other ways - from checking in on those who may be lonely to referring people to care services or occupational therapy.

"That could mean extra support at home or something practical like fitting grab rails, which can make a real difference to daily life.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to connect people with that support, because it shows how much impact we can have.”

Ashley Adams – Harlow
“With several members of my family serving in the fire service, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it has and the respect it holds in our communities. That inspired me to apply, and my goal now is to make my family proud and to know I’ve made a real difference in my community.

"By the end of the apprenticeship I want to look back knowing I’ve had a positive impact on my community, and that I’ve grown in skills and confidence myself.

"It means a lot to me to be following in my family’s footsteps. I’m grateful for the chance to build a career in the fire service and to give something back to my community.”

Elliot Rogers – Basildon
“Being part of the first ever apprentice group is something I’m really proud of. We’ve been trusted with responsibility from day one and encouraged to share ideas. It’s an amazing opportunity to represent ECFRS.

"I’ve always aspired to work in the fire service, and this apprenticeship is a fantastic first step. 

"The trust we’ve been given has been brilliant. We’re encouraged to share ideas and it’s exciting to be part of shaping how the role develops.

"I was proud just to be offered the role. To now be out representing ECFRS in the community is a real honour.”