MIDLOTHIAN schoolgirls have become the first in the region to complete a “pioneering” fire skills course designed to boost employability and inspire careers in the emergency services.

The all-girl group of S3 and S4 pupils from Lasswade High School in Bonnyrigg completed the Fire Skills Employability Course at Dalkeith Fire Station this week, with Midlothian Council leader Councillor Kelly Parry visiting to meet the young women on the final day.

The five-day programme, equivalent to a Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Level 4 award, saw the 13 to 15-year-olds take part in 40 hours of hands-on training including fire pump drills and CPR, as well as sessions on search and rescue and emergency first aid.

Women’s Aid also contributed to the course, with sessions covering toxic behaviour and healthy relationships alongside the emergency services content.

Pictured with the Council Leader Kelly Parry (top: third from left) are the girls, Katie Munro, Holly Sanchez, Eilidh Withall, Zara Hamilton, Zara Lennie, Leah Mackie and Makelesi Bulikiobo. Also in the picture is teacher Jemimah Martinez (top: second from right), Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Watch Commander David Main, Community Fire Fighter Jenni Collins and Community Safety Advocates Claire Shaw and Lorna Burt © Midlothian Council
Pictured with the Council Leader Kelly Parry (top: third from left) are the girls, Katie Munro, Holly Sanchez, Eilidh Withall, Zara Hamilton, Zara Lennie, Leah Mackie and Makelesi Bulikiobo. Also in the picture is teacher Jemimah Martinez (top: second from right), Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Watch Commander David Main, Community Fire Fighter Jenni Collins and Community Safety Advocates Claire Shaw and Lorna Burt © Midlothian Council

Councillor Parry said: “It was a real privilege to meet these inspiring young women. Their enthusiasm and determination were clear to see.

“This course is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence and develop essential skills for the future.

“It is particularly encouraging to see an all-girl group taking part, helping to break down barriers and promote greater diversity in careers where women have been underrepresented.”

The programme was delivered with input from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Pupils are now being encouraged to consider careers in the emergency services following the course, which organisers say helped build confidence, communication skills and teamwork among the group.

Watch Commander David Main said: “Watching these young people grow in confidence over just five days has been incredibly rewarding.

“They embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, supported one another as a team, and showed a real willingness to learn.

“We hope this course has given them practical skills they can take forward in everyday life. 

“We look forward to seeing this programme inspire more young people across Midlothian in the future.”

Organisers hope the success of the programme will encourage more schools and young people across Midlothian to take part in future.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR