Sign up for the Singleton Emergency Services Internship

Published on 30 July 2025

Singleton’s innovative Emergency Services Internship program is back for a third year, giving young locals a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills from real-life emergency responders.

The program is open to residents of the Singleton Local Government Area aged 16 – 24 who are interested in exploring career and volunteer opportunities in emergency management and increase their emergency preparedness skills.

Expressions of interest to participate in the program open on Friday 1 August.

Funded by the NSW Office of Local Government, the eight-week internship will run from 15 October to 3 December, delivered by Singleton Council in partnership with local emergency services, supporting agencies and Singleton PCYC.

Singleton Council’s General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr said program participants would meet for four hours each Wednesday for the eight weeks to learn directly from emergency responders and supporting agencies such as the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“This is a truly interactive program that teaches our young people about emergency response, preparedness and recovery through practical hands-on training with NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance,” he said.

“Not only do participants learn practical skills and tips from real-life emergency responders, but also and receive mental health first aid training and complete the program with a first aid certificate.”

Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr added that as communities such as Singleton’s were living with increasing natural hazards, the experience young people gained through the internship program would have far-reaching benefits.

“They’re not just learning invaluable emergency management skills but also increasing their awareness about hazard events and gaining the confidence to prepare and plan for them,” he said.

“This experience will not only help them to reduce the risk of harm to themselves during a hazard event, but also their families, friends and communities.

“This is a wonderful, free opportunity for our young people to gain valuable insights and experience in emergency management and preparedness and I encourage anyone aged 16-24 years to submit an expression of interest form.”

Expressions of interest for the internship program close on 29 August 2025. Places are limited.

Submit an EOI