Youth Volunteer Scheme
Our Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) is a national initiative. It creates opportunities for people aged 12-18 to work together for a safer Scotland.
What we do
The YVS aims to provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for you people to learn. They do this as individuals and develop positive relationships as they work together.
Our volunteers promote safer communities, while developing skills for life, learning and work. We promote fairness and equality through active participation and engagement opportunities. All the while, gaining a unique insight into life at a working fire station.
The YVS is not about recruiting future firefighters. We can't guarantee further employment on involvement in the Service to members. We can guarantee an offer of as much support and guidance as possible to member with an interest in the Service.
The scheme enhances confidence and inter-personal skills and provides a sense of belonging. As they volunteer, we equip them to become young ambassadors for the SFRS, and role models in their community.
Where to find us
We have locally run schemes throughout Scotland:
- Alloa
- Campbeltown
- Coatbridge
- Dumbarton
- Kilmarnock
- Kilwinning
- Livingston
- Methil
- Peterhead
- Stranraer
- Wick
There are more to follow in due course:
- Helensburgh
- Lerwick (Shetland)
- Tobermory
Find us on social media
Follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information:
How to join
12–17-year-olds
Complete our form to apply, please include the area you live in.
Please note we will only contact you if there is a scheme running in your area.
Where spaces are limited, you may be placed on a waiting list.
18 and over
Volunteer youth instructor vacancies are advertised on myjobscotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has three phases which will take approximately three years to complete. Young people leave the scheme after completing the three phases or by their 18th birthday - whichever comes first.
Young people make their own way to and from the station for weekly sessions.
Meeting times vary depending on the local scheme. They meet in the evenings, after school hours for roughly 2-3hrs per week. Sometimes the group meet at other times to carryout community engagement activities. These are organised in advance.
Between 10 – 20 youth volunteers and around 8 adults, volunteer youth instructors.
You'll be given uniform after you have completed your induction. This is worn when representing SFRS. It's your responsibility to take it home and keep it clean. You will also be given personal protective clothing this is your fire kit that you will wear when carrying out drills. This stays at the fire station.
The scheme offers a varied programme that gives you an awareness of the SFRS. It will include some lessons on community safety, and you will get a chance to try some of the tasks that firefighter’s carryout in their job. All activities are based on teamwork, so it is important you work together with your peers. There are also community events that you will be supported to get involved in.
Although there is no formal charge to be a youth volunteer, a donation of £1 - £2 per session is suggested that would support the local scheme to organise any additional events you may wish to be involved in, such as summer camps and extra activities.