The New South Wales State Emergency Service has developed a Cadet Program for Secondary Schools to proactively address anticipated skill shortages and an ageing volunteer workforce, and to ensure that the organisation’s capability to support communities in times of crisis is maintained and enhanced. The impetus for looking at this type of program for the SES has predominantly come from the Service's volunteers, many of whom believe that the organisation has a great deal to offer young persons in terms of developing new skills and contributing to the communities in which they live.
The SES has selected three High Schools located in Orange, Taree and Bankstown to take part in the pilot and evaluate the SES Secondary Schools Cadet Program.
The SES Cadet Program commenced in Orange at The Canobolas Rural Technology High School on Wednesday 30 April with some 25 strudents and will run for a period of 10 weeks. Over the 10 week program students will learn about the roles and functions of the SES and will also learn about safety, emergency management, communications and the importance of working in a team.
In late July, at the conclusion of the program, students from the three schools will attend a special 3 day camp at Milsons Island on the Hawkesbury River.
On Wednesday 14 May, students will visit the Headquarters of the Orange City SES Unit and participate in a number of practical activities including meeting with SES volunteers from the Orange City SES Unit.
