Cambian Lufton College’s Employability Department was delighted to welcome Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for an inspiring visit focused on career pathways and real-world employment opportunities.
The purpose of the visit was to provide students with meaningful insight into a highly respected public service profession and helping them to better understand the wide range of roles available within the fire service.
Fire service representatives shared their personal journeys into employment, explaining the routes they took, the challenges they overcame, and what motivated them to pursue their roles. This helped students to see that career pathways can be varied and achievable, reinforcing the message that there is no single route.
Students demonstrated excellent engagement throughout the session, asking thoughtful and relevant questions about:
- Entry requirements and training pathways
- Day-to-day responsibilities within the fire service
- The variety of roles available beyond frontline firefighting
- The skills and personal qualities needed for the role
A key focus of the session was exploring the transferable employability skills required in the fire service. This included teamwork, communication, problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. By linking these skills to their own learning and development, students were able to better understand how their current education is preparing them for future opportunities.
The visit also highlighted the diverse nature of the fire service, including community safety work, emergency response, and supporting vulnerable individuals, helping students to recognise how employment can be both purposeful and impactful.
The session was an exciting and positive experience and Cambian Lufton College looks forward to continuing to build partnerships with local services to support students in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future careers.
