Most apprentices don’t get a chance to ride on a fire engine, work in vaccine centers, and make a difference in communities across West Yorkshire.
Lewis Bell
But then, working with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) comes with a few exciting perks, as 22-year-old Lewis Bell has discovered.
After completing his apprenticeship in ICT Project Management with the fire service he has been nominated to receive an Employer Choice Award as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
modernization plans
The modernization plans will create buildings that generate 50,000kWh of sustainable energy
Lewis works at WYFRS headquarters in Birkenshaw where construction work has started on the new buildings, following the completion of all groundworks.
The ambitious modernization plans will create buildings that generate 50,000kWh of sustainable energy every year through solar panels and will reduce carbon by 20 percent.
apprenticeship
Lewis, from Wibsey, said he started an apprenticeship after giving the university a try. “I went to university to study computer science but after the first year decided it wasn’t for me, as I was keen to start work,” he said.
“After you’ve had years of school and college, more studying at university just wasn’t appealing. I saw the apprenticeship advertised with the fire service and thought I’d give it a go.” Soon after starting his apprenticeship, he worked with other WYFRS staff to help during the pandemic, such as delivering food parcels and working in vaccine centers.
making a difference
“I enjoy working with an organisation that makes a difference to people, and makes West Yorkshire a safer place to live,” said Lewis. “During the pandemic, my team decided to join the volunteers, and this involved delivering food parcels and working in the vaccine centers."
"I’ve been to stations to meet the crews, and have had a real insight into the fire service. Last year I started as an ICT business analyst, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, getting this role came from my apprenticeship, and shows just how worthwhile apprenticeships are.”
working and learning
For a while, I worked in a warehouse, but then when I spotted this opportunity with WYFRS I decided to go for it"
Two apprentices that recently joined Lewis’ team at WYFRS are 19-year-olds Emily Chapman and Spencer Peck.
Spencer from Wakefield said, “I knew I didn’t want to go to university as it’s a lot of money to spend without getting experience in the workplace. Friends who have gone to university are struggling financially, while I’ve been able to earn money while working and learning. For a while, I worked in a warehouse, but then when I spotted this opportunity with WYFRS I decided to go for it."
difference to communities
"Working for the fire service isn’t like your usual desk job, you are out and about meeting people, learning about the organization, and doing work that will help make West Yorkshire a safer place to live.”
Emily said she was preparing to go to university to study sociology but decided the apprenticeship route would lead to a better career. She says she is enjoying a role that gives her the chance to make a difference in communities every day.
induction
“Part of my induction involved going to one of the stations and seeing what the crews do,” she said.
“I went to Dewsbury Station and did some of the drills, used a hose, and went out to a fire to see what the teams did. You hear about what the crews do, but this was a chance to experience it. I feel by working for WYFRS that I’m giving something back and making a difference.”
jobs and training opportunities
Once work is complete we will have incredible facilities that will benefit our firefighters and support staff"
Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said, “This is an exciting time for the fire service as we take a huge step forward in our modernization plans."
"The building work is already creating local jobs and training opportunities, and once work is complete we will have incredible facilities that will benefit our firefighters and support staff."
ambitious plans
“We have heard from our apprentices and trainees that they are excited to be joining an organization that is forward-thinking with ambitious plans for the future of the service. This is a message we hope will reverberate through the rest of the region as we continue our recruitment drive to find the employees that will continue to keep the people of West Yorkshire safe.”
Developers Willmott Dixon are aiming for the building work to be finished in early 2024, with employees moving into the office in the summer of that year. Staff currently operate out of Grade II listed Oakroyd Hall, which will be sold once the new building is ready.
