WEST Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is training high school pupils in fire safety.
The Young Firefighters scheme allows children in schools across the county to take part in a fire safety course - which could give them with a Btec qualification.
Interested pupils are put forward by their teachers.
They then go to their local fire station to see how firefighters work, to take part in practical activities and learn how to use equipment.
The course can be informal, but if a school wants its pupils to earn the Btec qualification they are put on a more structured, longer course.
The Young Firefighters scheme began in 2004 as a pilot between Wakefield fire station and Wakefield City High School.
Since then it has been rolled out to 20 more schools, including The Community Science College at Thornhill, All Saints Catholic College at Bradley Bar and Rastrick High School.
More than 300 pupils are now signed up to the scheme.
Clr Graham Kirkland, chairman of the fire authority's personnel and training committee, said: "The youngsters show great enthusiasm and commitment.
"It's right that this is recognised by appropriate qualifications they can carry with them into the world of work.
"It also teaches them valuable practical skills and raises an awareness of fire safety.
"They can then pass it on to their friends and families to build safer communities."
The fire service wants to expand the courses to more schools and has just appointed a youth training co-ordinator to carry out this task.
