TCDC calls for YES 2017 nominations

Coromandel MP with the participants of the 2015 Thames-Coromandel District Council Youth in Emergency Services programme. Photo: TCDC

If you're a young Coromandel local who lives on the east coast of the peninsula and is after a challenging, hands-on learning experience, then read on.

Thames-Coromandel District Council is inviting youngsters, aged 16-20, living in an area stretching from Whangamata through to Whitianga to apply for its Youth in Emergency Services programme.

Taking place in Whangamata from May 11 to June 18, nominations for the 2017 YES programme close Thursday, April 13.

The district council runs YES in collaboration with the volunteer Fire Services, St John, Land Search and Rescue Thames Valley Civil Defence, Coastguard NZ and Surf Life Saving NZ, explains a TCDC spokesperson.

'YES is designed to strengthen and encourage young people's connection to their community by encouraging them to engage with a range of volunteer emergency services by way of a hands-on introduction to the work of these services.”

The YES programme is delivered in two parts – theory and practical work – and each week the emergency service partners participating in YES take it in turns to deliver both components.

Each emergency service will deliver a two hour knowledge and skills sessions teaching participants what that service does and the equipment they use every Thursday night.

Then on the following Sunday, that service will run a four hour practical session which allows participants to use the skills and equipment they learned in the theory sessions.

While the final Sunday of the programme will be a combined exercise with a 'real life' emergency scenario, followed by a graduation ceremony.

Participants will also be expected to volunteer for a minimum of 20 hours at an emergency service organisation of their choice at the conclusion of the programme.

'By taking part in YES, young people become more connected with the local emergency services, and ultimately, increase their connection with the community.”

Applications for the Thames-Coromandel District Council's Youth in Emergency Services Programme close 4pm on Thursday, April 13. To download nomination forms, visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/yes

Successful nominees and their nominators will be notified by Monday, May 1.

If you have any questions about the application process or to submit nomination forms email Julie Dennis at: Julie.dennis@tcdc.govt.nz

WHAT IS YES?

The YES programme was initially developed through a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Youth Development and the Rotorua based Rural Fire Force. MYD is continuing to work through local volunteer New Zealand Fire Services to deliver the programme.

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