The closing date is fast approaching for anyone who wants to be among the next generation of firefighters in Merseyside.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has a number of operational firefighter apprenticeships on offer for its 2022/2023 training courses and is seeking applications from all sectors of the community.
The selection process runs as follows: applicants who are successful following the initial stage will have completed an online assessment, followed by a physical assessment involving a ladder climb, treadmill run, ladder lift, lateral pull down, shoulder press and an assembly test involving firefighter equipment.
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They will also be required to make their way through a confined space course while wearing a firefighter breathing apparatus in the dark, take part in a mock casualty evacuation and carry various items of firefighting equipment, including hoses.
The candidates will then be invited to Assessment Centres and then a formal interview with senior officers. The final stage of the process is a 50 metre unaided swim test.
Applicants who successfully make it through the selection process will undertake a 15 week recruit 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 £24,191 pa, rising to £25,198 pa on completion of their recruit training course while they are completing the Firefighter Apprenticeship.
Following the course, the apprentice firefighters will take part in regular competency assessments which, if passed successfully, will take their salary to £32,244 pa approximately 18 months after completion of their recruit course.
Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: "We are delighted to have opened our application process for the next generation of Merseyside firefighters. We have a long and proud history at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service – we want you to be a part of our future.
"As a Service we are focused on our communities and we know that if we are to serve them to best we need to truly reflect the people we have the privilege to protect. If you have the courage to make a difference, the compassion to help - and you do the right thing even when no one is looking - then a fulfilling career with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service awaits.
"Our firefighters come from a vast range of different backgrounds but all have one thing in common – a commitment to serve, protect and support our communities. Our firefighters step forward when others understandably move away, it's how we are wired, it's what drives us.
"At Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, we are frequently called upon to help the most vulnerable communities in Merseyside, often in the most challenging of situations. My firefighters do this without hesitation. We will do whatever it takes to protect the public.
"Everyone who works here demonstrates our values, compassion, courage and integrity – people who are dedicated to the communities of Merseyside
"If that sounds like you then we would welcome an application – who knows where the road will take you."
Applications are open to anyone regardless of age, gender, race or sexuality. Applicants must be at least 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.
Applicants do not have to have a driving licence at the point of application but if successful, will be required to obtain a full UK driving licence before they start their recruit training course. Applicants must also have a permanent residence in Merseyside by the time the recruit course begins.
It is desirable for candidates to have GCSE English & Mathematics Grade C / Grade 4 – 9 or a recognised equivalent as detailed by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
If candidates do not have the above qualifications, if successful they will be required to undertake an assessment and achieve literacy and numeracy qualifications during their two year apprenticeship.
For full information, and to apply, please visit here, where you will also find videos of the various physical assessments candidates are required to complete.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, February 6 2022. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service reserves the right to close the recruitment process early if a sufficient number of applications are received.
