Firefighters are helping the unemployed pack a punch in the jobs market.
And a Huddersfield student is among the first to feel the benefits.
West Yorkshire Fire Service has teamed up with Halifax Boxing Club for a knockout project aimed at boosting the CVs of jobseekers.
The free 12-week course offers training in food hygiene, fire marshalling and risk assessment and is designed to appeal to employers.
The three-hour weekly sessions are held at Ladyship Mills in Old Lane, Ovenden.
As an added bonus there’s the chance to have a go at some sparring too!
The initiative is supported by Halifax North and East, which runs the successful Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative, as well as the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Funding comes from the People’s Health Trust.
Boxing enthusiast Kyle Scully, of Elland, signed up despite having a place secured at Leeds Trinity University in September and there’s still time for others to get involved.
The 18-year-old, who has recently completed a BTEC diploma in sport at Huddersfield New College, said: “I’m really excited to take part in this initiative. I think this is something different in the community.
“I’m hoping to get an idea of the hazards in the general working environment and what it’s like to be in a situation where you have to think on the spot.”
Neighbourhood policing officer for Ovenden Kim McCloskey said: “If kids leave school with no qualifications, there’s the chance for them to stray onto the wrong path and get into anti-social behaviour but hopefully this course could give them some focus.
“We want the kids to have a pride in the community. This is a stepping stone from school into work or further education.”
The course is open to men and women and there is no upper age limit.
For more information e-mail Dominic.Furby@westyorksfire.gov.uk or Karen.Scanlon@calderdale.gov.uk
