Following the advice

Benito Birrell’s dream is to become a fire-fighter and he is following the advice of his uncle (who is also a fire-fighter) to help him realise his dream.

Benito’s uncle said he would have a better chance of being picked in the selection process if he can demonstrate he has work/life experience in a setting where he helps others.

And with his mum already working at Brockington House on the Housekeeping Team, he knew the perfect place to gain this experience.

Two years on and Benito has become a valued member of the team here at Brockington on his role as Kitchen Assistant and occasional Host.

Benito says: “The advice my uncle gave me to gain some real life/work experience before I apply to become a fire-fighter couldn’t have been better.

“I have always worked, even when I was at school, so knowing my mum was here and how much she enjoys working at Brockington House I knew this would be the perfect place for me.

“My role as Kitchen Assistant involves everything from helping with meal preparation through to making sure everything is left spotlessly clean at the end of each day.

“And as a Host I get to take the orders of the ladies and gentlemen who live here and serve them food.

“This also means I get the chance to talk and interact with them, so it’s been a great way of boosting my confidence and something which I believe will stand me in good stead when I apply to become a fire-fighter.

“It will demonstrate I am good in people’s company and have a caring nature, two things which will be important in my future career.”

Outside of work, Benito has also discovered a hobby that will also tick a few boxes in the future.

He explains: “I started Jujitsu in 2023 and absolutely love it. It’s great for strength and discipline and I entered my first competition in January and won, which I wasn’t expecting but which was fantastic.”