Corpus Christi High Year 11 student Luke Turnbull and Warilla High Year 11 student Ella Edwards were part of last year’s SES internship program. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
The State Emergency Service will run a 10-week youth internship at its Shellharbour unit, following the huge success of a trial program last year.
At least four of the young students who took part in the Shellharbour trial have become volunteers with the unit.
The internship program helps 15- to 16-year-olds to understand natural disasters and emergency preparedness through hands-on demonstrations with experienced SES volunteers.
Once a week for 10 weeks, the students will learn new skills in communication, basic first aid, leadership and flood and storm response.
Shellharbour unit volunteer Nikki Ristoski told Region earlier this year the internship was not necessarily built around becoming an SES volunteer, but it helped teach students different skills they could take into their workplace, whatever their career ambition might be.
“It gives a sense of purpose and community spirit,” she said.
“We give students an insight into the various pathways within emergency services and have other agencies such as NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW involved as well.”
Two of the Shellharbour students who took part in last year’s internship, Corpus Christi High’s Luke Turnbull and Warilla High’s Ella Edwards, have both since become SES volunteers.
Luke said he had already looked at career opportunities through the SES and possibly working at the SES NSW headquarters.
“It’s a really good safe learning environment,” Luke said.
“If you’re to join as a volunteer, you become part of an adult learning environment. You’re also learning about real-world situations.”
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz said the program demonstrated how keen young members of the community could be mentored as the next cohort of leaders.
“Young people are the future of our organisation and our communities. In this program we provide them with opportunities to discover more about what we do, hopefully inspiring them to join our ranks,” she said.
“Our volunteer SES mentors also had a great experience training and mentoring the interns.
“I know from last year’s cohort, a quarter of the interns who completed the program went on to become volunteer members of the SES and have been responding to recent weather events.”
Students who are interested in the internship should speak with their school career advisors.
Loading ...
