Inspirational all girl team make it a first for Midlothian

Congratulations to Lasswade S3 and S4 pupils for successfully completing the first course of its kind in Midlothian to help equip young people with valuable employability and life skills while inspiring future career ambitions.

Leader visit

Yesterday Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry met the all-girl group to hear more about the Fire Skills Employability Course at Dalkeith Fire Station. The five-day programme is equivalent to a Scottish Qualification Authority Level 4 award.

Teamwork and lifeskills

The girls, aged 13 to 15, took part in 40 hours of hands-on training designed to build confidence, teamwork and awareness of careers within the emergency services. With contributions from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service and Women’s Aid, the course covered a wide range of topics and skills including search and rescue, emergency first aid, recognising toxic behaviour and fostering positive relationships.

New careers beckon

Throughout the programme, the pupils worked closely as a team – problem-solving, supporting and challenging one another, improving communication skills and forming new friendships. All described the experience as both enjoyable and highly beneficial, with some of the girls now considering careers in the emergency services.

Breaking down barriers

Councillor Parry said: “It was a real privilege to meet these inspiring young women. Their enthusiasm and determination were clear to see. This course is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence and develop essential skills for the future. It is particularly encouraging to see an all-girl group taking part, helping to break down barriers and promote greater diversity in careers where women have been underrepresented.”

High praise

Watch Commander David Main said: "Watching these young people grow in confidence over just five days has been incredibly rewarding.
"They embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, supported one another as a team, and showed a real willingness to learn.
"We hope this course has given them practical skills they can take forward in everyday life. 
"We look forward to seeing this programme inspire more young people across Midlothian in the future."

Pioneering programme

It is hoped the success of this pioneering programme, which included tasks such as fire pump drills and learning CPR, will encourage more young people and schools across Midlothian to get involved.

In the picture

Pictured with the Council Leader Kelly Parry are the girls, Katie Munro, Holly Sanchez, Eilidh Withall, Zara Hamilton, Zara Lennie, Leah Mackie and Makelesi Bulikiobo. Also in the picture is teacher Jemimah Martinez, Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Watch Commander David Main, Community Fire Fighter Jenni Collins and Community Safety Advocates Claire Shaw and Lorna Burt.