The Growth Company is proud to partner with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to deliver Functional Skills training to firefighter apprentices. This partnership ensures that new apprentices without Level 2 maths and English can develop these essential skills while training to become whole-time .
The Growth Company has over 35 years of experience delivering high-quality education and training. Through this partnership, we provide flexible Functional Skills support, ensuring firefighter apprentices can develop their essential skills around their shift patterns and operational duties.
GMFRS recruits three apprentice cohorts each year. After an initial 16-week intensive training programme, apprentices will continue their development at one of Greater Manchester’s fire stations, where they will then complete their maths and English learning with a dedicated tutor.
James Holyoake, Functional Skills Tutor at the Growth Company, said:
“I’m looking forward to supporting firefighter apprentices as they develop their maths and English skills. Our training will be flexible, fitting around their shift patterns while ensuring they gain the essential skills needed for both their roles and career progression. It will be fantastic to see apprentices grow in confidence and apply their learning in real-life situations."
Jane Wilson, Education and Professional Development Manager at GMFRS, added: "Firefighter apprentices must pass their Functional Skills in English and maths before completing their apprenticeship. We recognise that some apprentices may have been out of education for some time, so it’s essential they receive the right support. Partnering with the Growth Company will ensure our apprentices develop these key skills, helping them succeed in their training and future careers with the fire service."
Jen Leggat, Regional Account Manager at the Growth Company, said: “I'm very much looking forward to working with GMFRS on their apprenticeship programme, building on our existing relationship through the Adult Skills Fund. This way, we're able to see a greater number of GMFRS firefighters through their programmes, right through from recruitment to End-Point Assessment (EPA).”
By embedding relevant, practical learning into their training, this partnership supports a diverse pipeline of future firefighters, ensuring they gain the qualifications and skills needed to succeed in their .
If you're interested in learning how the Growth Company can help you upskill in English and maths, click here. For more information about GMFRS apprenticeship programme, visit Join Us - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service.
