Welcome to our new apprentice prevention officers
Two new apprentice prevention officers have been appointed by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) thanks to funding from the NHS North East Essex (NEE) Health and Wellbeing Alliance.
The two apprentices, Evie Wilson who is based at Colchester fire station and Penny Thompson who is based at Clacton are part of a pilot scheme run by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to create job opportunities for people in Essex and a new pathway into careers with the emergency services.
Part funding for the apprentices came from the NHS North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance Age Well fund.
The funding was awarded on the basis that the apprentice scheme aligns with the shared priorities of the NEE Alliance and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. This includes providing person-centred holistic support for people aged over 65, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing enabling them to remain safe at home and helping them to self-manage long term conditions.
Penny Thompson, who has now started with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service as an apprentice prevention officer, said: “I am really passionate about this role as I have always wanted to work for the emergency services and be able to make a difference and ultimately save someone’s life.
"This apprenticeship gives me the opportunity not only to see first-hand the great work of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service but also that of partner organisations and to appreciate how working together is so important.
“I am looking forward to meeting colleagues and members of the public over the next 18 months and applying the knowledge that I am learning from my studies. My goal is to stay working in this sector at the end of the apprenticeship.”
The apprenticeship scheme is designed 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.
Laura Taylor-Green, Director of the North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance said: said: “Our funding panel was very impressed with the bid from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Their apprentice scheme aligns well with our objectives which has a strong emphasis on prevention, especially for people aged over 65.
“We are really pleased to be working with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and welcome the idea that the scheme will also help to build capacity within the Service and provide local people with job opportunities and build stronger links with colleagues in health. Our ultimate aim is to work in partnership with organisations and individuals to improve the health and wellbeing of people in north east Essex and reduce health inequalities.”
During the 18 month apprenticeship the trainees will study for a level three qualification in community health and wellbeing. They will work alongside operational crews, the public and colleagues in partner organisations, supporting collaborative and multi-agency working. This will provide the apprentices with a sound knowledge and understanding of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the wider environment in which it operates.
Andrea MacAlister, Head of Prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am delighted that the NHS North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance has enabled us to support the funding of two apprentices under this innovative new scheme. We hope this project will transform how we recruit into the service, educating the apprentices in the theory of prevention and health whilst providing hands on experience.
“The apprentices will work with residents and their communities to identify and address health and wellbeing needs, improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce inequalities. This has a direct impact on vulnerability to fire and other incidents.”