Around 200 students at Wixams Academy have taken part in practical emergency service career training through a project that has now earned national recognition.
Bedford Giving’s Blue Lights: Taste of the Workplace programme, delivered by local charity 4YP, was named a national finalist and runner-up at the Career Development Institute (CDI) Careers Education Awards.
Student experience
Paddy Downes, assistant headteacher at Wixams Academy, said: “The programme has given our students a unique opportunity to engage directly with emergency service professionals, helping them broaden their horizons and gain valuable insight into future careers.
“We’re grateful to Bedford Giving, 4YP and our local emergency services for making this experience possible.”
The initiative originally launched as a pilot project involving 30 pupils in 2025 before expanding to cover an entire year group earlier this year.
Students took part in realistic scenarios, practical demonstrations and direct conversations with emergency service staff to learn about blue light roles.
Multi-agency partnership
The training was delivered alongside Bedfordshire Police, the BLMK Health and Care Academy hosted by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Magpas Air Ambulance, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and the Local Authority Road Safety team.
Police sergeant Dominic Tembey, of the Education and Diversion Team at Bedfordshire Police, said: “We’re proud to have supported the programme and helped students understand the role emergency services play in keeping communities safe.
“Experiences like this also showcase the wide range of careers available within policing.”
Rose Birmingham, director at 4YP, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Blue Lights: Taste of the Workplace recognised as a National Finalist in the CDI Careers Education Awards.
“This achievement demonstrates the impact of bringing employers and educators together to give young people meaningful experiences that inspire ambition and inform future career choices.”
Community impact
Victoria Reed, head of grants and commissioned programmes at The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving, said: “We’re delighted to see the programme recognised nationally.
“This accolade reflects the strength of partnership working across Bedford Borough and the positive impact it is having on young people as they explore future careers.”
Stacy Sherwood, clinical education lead at the BLMK Health and Care Academy, said: “It’s wonderful to see the programme recognised nationally.
“It helps young people build practical skills, confidence and a greater understanding of careers across health and emergency services.”
Find out more about the work of 4YP at 4ypuk.com and Bedford Giving at bedfordgiving.org.uk.
