SPECIAL pass-out ceremonies were held at Orsett and Grays fire stations for the 40 Thurrock teenagers who completed young firefighter courses.
The 17-week courses teach 14 and 15-year-olds ladder work, hose drills, search and rescue techniques, road traffic collision exercises and how to use breathing apparatus.
They also include classroom sessions learning about the fire service as an organisation, fire safety, basic fire science, a consequences session and road safety awareness.
At the end of the course students gain an AQA award, two elements of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, and two elements of their Trident award.
Local councillors Ian Harrison, Pauline Tolson and Phillip Smith were among the guests who watched students pass out at Orsett.
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