Ten year 10 boys had the opportunity to participate in the ASPIRE course last week, facilitated by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s specialist PHOENIX team. The course aimed to cultivate essential skills including resilience, teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Over the three-day program, the boys engaged in a range of practical and active firefighter training activities while wearing fire kit.

Day one focused on training drills and teamwork exercises in preparation for day two, where they worked in teams to rescue a casualty using skills learned previously. They were provided with protective fire service clothing and boots and completed activities in the fire house such as learning to navigate in the dark and in confined spaces. They worked in teams to complete this and demonstrated impeccable communication and leadership skills. On day three, they visited the Sunderland Climbing Wall for additional training and received first aid certification. The instructors were highly impressed by the boys’ dedication, resilience, leadership, and teamwork, considering them one of the best groups they’ve ever had. Well done lads!