Our annual trainee intake is in September. However applications for trainee membership are accepted at any time throughout the year.
Trainee status lasts at least one year, after this period each trainees progress is individually examined by the team committee to ensure they meet the criteria expected for full member status. Additional training requirements may be identified which the trainee must meet before they are eligible for full team status.
During the trainee period a Trainee Member is expected to attend events regularly (min 75% of training events) in order to develop the skills required of a Full Member, and to display a commitment to the Team and its activities.
The minimum age for Trainee membership is 18. Trainee members are not normally eligible for call-out duties, but may called upon in some circumstances.
If you would like to be considered for trainee membership please email Membership@NorthOfTyneSearchAndRescue.org.uk giving brief details about yourself, relevant hill/mountain experience along with a contact phone number and postal address. If you are invited to apply for membership you will be asked to complete a more detailed application form and attend an informal interview. Around August applicants who have made it past the initial stage will be invited to a hill assesment day, where their general fitness and hill skills will be checked.
People wishing to be associated with the Team and to be involved in some of its activities, but NOT as Full Members, may apply for Associate Membership. This usually applies to ex team members who wish to be involved in support and fund raising activities or those who can offer specialist skills required by the team. All applications for associate membership are considered on an individual basis by the team committee.