TWO York teenagers have undertaken work experience with a difference, spending two weeks at RAF Linton on Ouse, north of York, training as defence firefighters.
Year 10 pupils Peter Ritchey, 15, of Huntington School and Joe Moisley, 14, of Canon Lee School took part in a two-week programme organised by station officer John Miller, of the Defence Fire & Rescue Service.
Station officer Miller said the course was designed to give youngsters “a real taste of firefighter life”. The boys’ training culminated in a final exercise involving a real-life scenario.
Station officer Miller said: “It’s testing, but they emerge after two weeks full of confidence and knowing the value of teamwork. Peter and Joe have done really well and can be proud of all they have achieved here at RAF Linton on Ouse.”
The pupils were trained in the use of breathing apparatus, working at height, aircraft familiarisation and putting out a range of fires, using all the equipment at the disposal of firefighters.
They were also given a flight in a Grob Tutor aircraft at RAF Church Fenton as part of the aircraft familiarisation phase of the course.
The final exercise, watched by their families and teachers, put all their skills to the test in a dramatic scenario involving both firefighting and rescue in full breathing apparatus.
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