We are recruiting firefighters – last call to apply!
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is recruiting for the next generation of firefighters in Merseyside – and the closing date is fast approaching. The Service has a number of firefighter posts on offer for its 2019 training courses and is seeking applications from all sectors of the community.
Applicants who are successful following the initial round of recruitment will be asked to complete tests to assess their numeracy and literacy skills and undertake a physical assessment involving a ladder climb, bleep test, dummy haul, step test and an assembly test involving firefighter equipment. They will also be required to crawl a short distance wearing firefighter breathing apparatus, take part in a mock casualty evacuation, carry various items of firefighting equipment, including hoses, and complete a 50-metre swimming test.
The candidates will then be invited to Assessment Centres and then a formal interview with senior officers. Applicants who successfully make it through the recruitment process will undertake a 17-week training course at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training & Development Academy in Croxteth where they will train in all aspects of firefighting and emergency response techniques.
Recruit firefighters will begin their career on a salary of £22,459 pa, rising to £23,394 pa on completion of their training when they will pass out as firefighters-in- development. Following the course, the firefighters-in-development will take part in regular competency assessments which, if passed successfully, will take their salary to £29,934 pa approximately 18 months after completion of their recruit course. Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: “We are delighted to be opening our application process for the next generation of Merseyside firefighters. “Applications are open to anyone regardless of age, gender, race or sexuality. There is no upper age limit and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
”We are passionate about our firefighter family representing the communities we serve and we want to hear from anyone who may be interested in the role, regardless of their background. “A career as a firefighter gives you a chance to help people in many ways, apart from just tackling fires. Our firefighters are constantly engaging with communities across Merseyside, carrying out fire safety checks and promoting fire safety. “They also rescue people from water, attend road traffic collisions, rescue people from height and respond to major emergencies such as floods, chemical leaks, train derailments, collapsed buildings and terrorist attacks.
“Our crews work closely with partner agencies including police, health services and local authorities to keep our communities safe and the new recruits can expect an exciting and varied career full of challenges and rewards. “This is an excellent time to be joining Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service as we forge ahead with our commitment to build safer, stronger communities in Merseyside. We have a long and proud history and we look forward to our new recruits being part of our future.”
Applicants must be 17-and-a-half years old at the time of application. There is no upper age limit or height restriction. As a firefighter, recruits can expect to work 42 hours per week (48 hours over eight days). Applicants must have a driving licence at the time of application and be residing in Merseyside by the time the recruit course begins. GCSE English and Maths are required at grade C or above (level 4-9) or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.
For more information, and to apply, visit www.merseyfire.gov.uk Applications close at midnight on 23 rd July 2018. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service reserves the right to close the recruitment process early if a sufficient number of applications are received.
