The waiting is almost over. Thousands of people are expected to jump online on Monday 27 March when the two week recruitment window opens at noon for the next full-time firefighter training course.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service took on 20 new recruits in January this year - the first time in nearly a decade that the organisation had taken on new operational firefighters. Due to the retirement profile and the changing face of the Service, further intakes will happen this year and beyond.
Six taster sessions have taken place over the last month or so which have given those thinking of applying an idea of the physical and practical expectations of the job, as well as how the role of a firefighter has changed to include working with the vulnerable, health partners, schools and community groups.
Hundreds turned up at the sessions and the majority went away determined to apply when the window opened.
A firefighter's annual starting salary is £22,237, rising to nearly £30,000 after three years of work based training. All the details are on the Service's website at www.humbersidefire.gov.uk/careers
The online application process will open at noon on Monday 27 March 2017 and will close on Friday 7 April 2017. Those candidates that are successful at this stage will be invited to take further online tests between 10 – 21 April 2017. Candidates will be notified directly by email at each stage of the process.
To be a firefighter requires special skills and qualities. Effective communication skills are needed to deal with the public at safety events and in their homes, but the ability to work under pressure as part of a team at operational incidents remains key.
The role of the Fire and Rescue Service has changed incredibly in the last few years with firefighters facing many different challenges. For example, firefighters deal with environmental issues such as floods and storms, attend an increasing number of health related incidents and respond to the growing threat of terrorism. Firefighters are therefore expected to be even more adaptable than ever before.
Chief Fire Officer Dene Sanders is expecting another successful recruitment process:
'Last year we had around 2,500 applicants who didn't want a job, they wanted a career. It is a challenging career, but ultimately so rewarding to make a real difference to the community. The 20 recruits we selected are nearing the end of their course in Immingham, but it is great that we are able to repeat the process so soon.
People from different backgrounds and with varied life experiences will bring fresh ideas to our organisation. With excellent career progression available in the Service, we may just be unearthing some future leaders.'