Wanted: Firefighter jobs up for grabs in Staffordshire from today - how to apply
Fire chiefs are launching another recruitment drive - to replace firefighters who are retiring. The latest campaign in Staffordshire comes just months after 16-newly qualified firefighters emerged from an intensive training regime.
Now Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is getting ready to open a new recruitment process to replace those set to retire. Chiefs say they are keen to hear from people 'who may never have considered' the role along with working to 'attract people from a range of backgrounds and diverse communities'.
In October last year the service held its first recruitment drive for full-time firefighters for the first time in more than three years. As reported by StokeonTrentLive once fully qualified candidates stood to earn more than £36,200 a year.
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In June, 16 newly-qualified firefighters enjoyed a passing out parade at the Stone-based HQ following 16 weeks of intensive training. The service has now unveiled its 'Future Firefighters' campaign.
Bosses say new recruits will be trained to handle a whole range of emergency situations whether its fires, water rescues or road traffic collisions. They will also be trained up in fire prevention and fire safety.
Michelle Hickmott, assistant chief fire officer, says the job is about more than simply tackling fires.
She said: "We’re looking for firefighters of the future and our recruitment campaign is focused on changing people’s perception of what being a firefighter is like and what the role involves, to encourage more people to consider the fire service as a career choice. The role is much more than just fighting fires, the reality is that a large proportion of a firefighters' time is focused on prevention, training, education, and engaging with the community. If you are caring, determined and passionate about doing the best for your community then we’d encourage you to apply. In return we can offer a rewarding role, a funded apprenticeship qualification, opportunities for career progression or to specialise in certain areas, alongside benefits such as generous annual leave and an excellent pension.”
Stoke-on-Trent firefighter Vicky Poole has been in the role for 23 years.
She said: "I love the role, it’s varied, the teamwork is great and I enjoy the community engagement aspect. For anyone unsure on whether to apply I’d say go for it, it’s a great career and you won’t look back.”
The service currently has around 600 firefighters with just over half of those being on-call. In addition there are 206 support staff. There are 33 fire stations including eight whole-time stations, two daytime crewed and 23 retained on-call stations.
Applications will go live on the fire service website at noon on September 16. Successful applicants will find out in the winter - and will start training next March.
More details can be found here.