Students from the 999 Academy visited the Burnham Lifeboat Station, strengthening the long-standing partnership between the College’s vocational program and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The visit is a cornerstone of the Academy’s mission to provide students with authentic, hands-on exposure to frontline emergency services. As many participants are currently preparing for competitive pathways – including apprenticeships with the South Western Ambulance Service and Avon and Somerset Police, as well as degree programs in Law, Policing, and Criminology – the opportunity to engage with an operational station provided invaluable professional context.
During the visit, more than six RNLI volunteers shared their technical expertise and personal experiences with the group. The session offered a deep dive into:
- Search and Rescue Operations: Understanding the mechanics of a live lifeboat launch
- Station Logistics: Insight into how volunteers maintain 24/7 readiness
- Community Impact: The vital role the RNLI plays in local coastal safety.
Students described the evening as both “fascinating” and “inspiring,” noting that seeing the dedication of local volunteers firsthand helped solidify their own career ambitions.
The 999 Academy remains committed to bridging the gap between the classroom and the field. Professional development through community engagement ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also possess a grounded understanding of the commitment required in public service.
The Academy is extremely grateful to the volunteers who generously gave their time to organise and deliver such a well-structured and informative session. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Burnham Lifeboat Station. These experiences are essential in supporting our students’ ambitions and their journey toward becoming the next generation of emergency responders.
Doug Hayston
999 Academy Lead
The 999 Academy provides young people with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in the emergency services through a partnership between local colleges and blue-light organisations.
To find out more about Uniformed Protective Services programmes and the 999 Academy, please visit our website.