A YOUNG man from Mossley has set his sights on a career in the fire service after completing a 12-week personal development programme at Hyde Fire Station.
Kobe, 25, is a resident at homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley and recently completed The King’s Trust Team programme, delivered by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
The programme gave Kobe and his fellow participants the chance to develop new skills, gain qualifications and get valuable experience to help them take their next steps into employment.
For Kobe, the experience has helped strengthen his ambition to become a firefighter.
“I really enjoyed the programme and glad I got it done!” he said. “The thing I enjoyed most was the residential – 100% – but the firefighter experience days were probably the most useful because I want to go into the fire service.
“Meeting the Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the final presentation was really good and he had some great advice for my next steps into the fire service. I loved every bit of the Team programme and would definitely recommend it to anyone else who wants to do it.”
As part of the programme, participants complete a week-long outdoor activities residential, a two-week work placement and a community project, alongside training and career development.
GMFRS delivers The King’s Trust Team programme at five fire stations across Greater Manchester, including Hyde, with courses running throughout the year.
Jim Willmott, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at GMFRS, said the programme was an example of how organisations could work together to help young people prepare for their futures.
“Everyone should get the support they need to thrive. The King’s Trust Team Programme is a great example of how we can work together to support young people to build confidence and develop skills for work, and life.
“I’m so grateful to have been one part of Kobe’s journey alongside fire colleagues who shared their passion and commitment with Kobe and his teammates. I wish them every success for the future!”
Kobe’s journey has also been supported by Emmaus Mossley, which works with people who have experienced homelessness to help them rebuild their confidence, skills and independence.
Ant Hopkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Mossley, said: “We’re really proud of Kobe and what he’s achieved. This is what Emmaus Mossley is all about, supporting people to build confidence, find new opportunities and move towards the future they want for themselves.
“Kobe has grabbed this opportunity with both hands and it’s brilliant to see his ambition to join the fire service grow. A huge thank you to everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and The King’s Trust for giving Kobe such a positive experience. We’ll be right behind him as he takes his next steps.”
The King’s Trust Team programme is open to 16 to 25-year-olds and aims to help participants build confidence, develop practical skills and gain qualifications while meeting new people.
For Kobe, it has provided more than just a qualification – it has given him a clearer idea of where he wants his future to lead.