Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) train 25 Top End Year 11 students last week

More than 20 Year 11 students spent a week completing specialised training with the Northern Territory Emergency Services as part of the NT Police Cadet Program. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Twenty-five Year 11 students have taken their first steps in becoming Northern Territory Emergency Services volunteers as part of the NT Police Cadet Program. Picture: NTFES

Twenty-five Year 11 students have taken their first steps in becoming Northern Territory Emergency Services volunteers as part of the NT Police Cadet Program.

Last week, the cadets spent the week completing specialised training with NTES, including hazard and risk identification, radio operations, knot tying and the use of emergency equipment.

Students also gained “foundational knowledge” in rescue operations and how vessels were used in evacuations, flood rescues and cargo transports, NTFES said.

Over the course of the 18-month program, the cadets will gain hands on experience in emergency services while also completing tertiary qualifications.

The students gained “foundational knowledge” in rescue operations. Picture: NTFES

NTES Darwin Volunteer Unit coordinator Seth Dugdell praised the students’ enthusiasm and commitment.

“The program gives cadets a solid understanding of careers available in emergency services, and it’s wonderful to see them so motivated to help their community,” he said.

“Today, they’ll put their training into practice by participating in a simulated land search scenario testing all the skills they’ve developed over the last few days.”

As part of their cadet experience, students also complete placements with the NT Fire and Rescue Service and NT Police, where they learn life-saving techniques such as road crash rescue and the operation of breathing apparatus.

Students learnt life-saving techniques such as road crash rescue and the operation of breathing apparatus. Picture: NTFES

NTES staff member and PFES Cadet Program alumni Sam Aldrick encouraged anyone considering the program to go for it. Picture: NTFES

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program delivered through the NT Police College in partnership with Charles Darwin University.

NTES staff member and PFES Cadet Program alumni Sam Aldrick encouraged anyone considering the program to go for it.

“Even if you’re unsure about your future, this program is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and explore different career options,” he said.

“You never know where it might lead and, in my case, it led to a fulfilling career with NTES.

Twenty-five Year 11 students have taken their first steps in becoming Northern Territory Emergency Services volunteers as part of the NT Police Cadet Program. Picture: NTFES

“It provides real-world experience, builds life skills, and introduces participants to career paths they may never have considered.

“For me, it was a turning point, I likely wouldn’t have finished Year 12 or found my way into emergency services without it.

“I developed greater confidence, learned how to work effectively in a team, supporting my transition into the workforce.”

Applications for the 2026 intake will open on August 1, 2025, enquiries can be sent to [e-mail] at any time.

For more information and to apply, visit pfes.nt.gov.au/join-us/become-ntes-volunteer.

Originally published as Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) train 25 Top End Year 11 students last week