16th March 2026
Protective Services students were given insight into life as a firefighter during a work experience visit to New Cross Fire Station.
Protective Services students were given an invaluable insight into life as a firefighter during a work experience visit to New Cross Fire Station.
The day was designed to help aspiring applicants gain a deeper understanding of the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the realities of the role, and the skills required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
The visit offered the students a rare opportunity to experience the physical, emotional and mental challenges associated with firefighting. Firefighters at the station led open and honest discussions about their work, answering questions and helping to dispel common myths about the job. This gave students a realistic picture of both the rewarding and more challenging aspects of the career.
Throughout the day, students took part in a series of practical activities that highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication, professionalism and following operational protocols. One of the key sessions was a ‘confined space exercise’, where students wore breathing apparatus face masks and navigated restricted environments with limited senses - a powerful demonstration of the physical demands firefighters face during real incidents.
The group also completed a ‘hose bowling activity’, giving them hands‑on experience of the strength, coordination and precision required when handling equipment under pressure. In addition, a team building exercise encouraged students to plan, problem‑solve and communicate effectively while working against the clock to complete a challenge.
The experience left a strong impression on the group, offering clarity and motivation for those considering a future in the fire service. Barking & Dagenham College student, Tobias Parson, commented: “This was a fantastic day, so insightful. I really know what to expect when applying for the fire service.”
While Gwen Edwards, Sport & Protective Services Curriculum Manager at the College added: “We were incredibly proud of how the students approached every activity with maturity, enthusiasm and determination. It was wonderful to see them fully engage with the challenges set by the firefighters and gain such meaningful insight into the profession. Experiences like this are invaluable in helping our students make informed decisions about their future careers and we’d like to thank New Cross Fire Station for hosting us.”
The College hopes to continue building strong links with the London Fire Brigade to provide further opportunities for students to explore public service careers first‑hand.
