Roger Mitchell, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

Roger Mitchell left school after finishing his GCSEs and had a few different jobs before carving a strong career in the fire service.

He's served as both an on-call and a full-time firefighter and is now a station manager. He oversees three different rural fire stations in Norfolk and is responsible for 38 on-call firefighters.

Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service gave Roger development opportunities and a chance to take training courses. He is now on a two and a half year Level 5 ILM Leadership and Management apprenticeship, his highest level qualification so far.

"It involves assignments, assessor visits, attending Wensum Lodge once a month and committing one day of each working week to complete the apprenticeship. It's quite a big commitment but has already proved beneficial to me and to my employer.

"I'm already putting into practice some of the techniques and skills I've learned. It's hard work but a really rewarding experience."

From the employer's point of view

Lynn Major, HR Manager at Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service, said: "The apprenticeships are a great way for us to build leadership capability in the service whilst also providing valuable development opportunities for the participants.

"We're already seeing the benefits of the apprenticeships with the new ideas and thinking that is being generated."