Mildenhall College Academy students attend course to learn team work and first aid skills

Students from Mildenhall College Academy take part in the Firebreak course at Mildenhall fire station to learn important team building, fire safety and first aid skills. Picture: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Archant)

They are given firefighter uniforms and take part in various activities including learning first aid, hose work and how to rescue people from a smoke filled room.

Andrew Sheldrick, firefighter schools fire liaison officer, said: 'Mildenhall College Academy and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are committed to engaging with students to offer them the opportunity to enhance their skills to the best of their ability giving them the best chance in their future life.'

This is the fourth year the course has been run.

Susan Byles, the academy's principal, said: 'The Firebreak course is extremely popular with our students and their families.

Students from Mildenhall College Academy take part in the Firebreak course. They are pictured with academy principal Susan Byles, fire liaison officer Andrew Sheldrick (middle) and chief fire officer Mark Hardingham. Picture: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Archant)

'It is an extremely valuable experience for our learners who return with greater levels of confidence in their abilities and with a wider range of skills.

'It also gives students an understanding of the world of work outside of the academy. I have a file full of letters from parents wishing to thank the academy and most importantly Mr Sheldrick for giving their children the opportunity to attend this course.'

At the end of Firebreak a special ceremony will be held with a passing out parade which parents and carers can attend.

Students from Mildenhall College Academy take part in the Firebreak course. Picture: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. (Image: Archant)

Students from Mildenhall College Academy take part in the Firebreak course. Pictured are some of the students learning skills from fire liaison officer Andrew Sheldrick. Picture : Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. (Image: Archant)