Pupils take part in skills course at Port Glasgow fire station

The council funded 10 secondary school pupils to take part in the Fire Skills course, which was run by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at the station.

The youngsters from St Stephen’s and Port Glasgow high schools spent the week doing things like first aid, team building, personal development, problem-solving and health and safety.

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Then they rounded off the week with a demonstration of all they’d learned in front of representatives from their schools, their families, elected members from Inverclyde Council and other partner agencies.

They were given certificates to mark their participation by Council leader Stephen McCabe.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Convener of the Education and Communities committee, said: “This is the first course the SFRS has delivered in Inverclyde for a number of years and it’s great to have it back.

“It’s clear the young people have enjoyed their week and learned a lot at the same time.

“I commend everyone in the council’s Community Learning and Development, Community Safety & Resilience and Sport team who helped make this happen along with our partners in the SFRS.”

Rodney Anderson is a Group Commander in Inverclyde for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: “It’s a privilege to help young people gain skills that will support them in future employment or further education.

“The Fire Skills course is a very effective way for firefighters to engage with school pupils and give them an insight into what their job is like.

"Congratulations to all of the young people who took part from St Stephen’s and Port Glasgow High School campuses.  They are a credit to themselves, their schools and their families.

“We’re really grateful to our partners at Inverclyde Council who funded the course and other emergency services who supported the young people in their journey.”