Royal Berkshire fire and rescue service invites you to 'have a go'
The service is looking to recruit more women and people from ethnic minority groups
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) say they want their staff to look more like the community they serve.
They're holding a series of Have a Go events aimed at women and people from ethnic minority groups in Berkshire, to encourage them to consider a career as a firefighter.
The events, which will be run at Whitley Wood Fire Station, will enable participants to try some of the tests used during the recruitment process.
The event will include a tour of the fire station, and the opportunity to talk to RBFRS firefighters and staff, who will be on hand to offer their insight, advice and support.
The events will take place on the following dates:
6.30pm – 9pm on Tuesday, 12 April at Whitley Wood Fire Station
10am – 3pm on Saturday, 14 May at Whitley Wood Fire Station
It is hoped that by providing an overview of the recruitment process and support, more women and people from ethnic minority groups will consider applying to be firefighters.
Sophie King, Firefighter, said:
“The job is very rewarding and allows you to develop new skill sets and confidence in your ability. Working around your home or full-time commitments allows you to experience the fire service and give back to the community you are a part of.
“Working within my local community allows me to give back to the people around me. Within my on-call and wholetime role, I am working within communities that I have lived in and been a part of for a long time.”
Although the recruitment window is not currently open for wholetime firefighters, there are opportunities to join RBFRS as an on-call firefighter. You can read more about the requirements to become an on-call firefighter and which stations are hiring on the Service’s website.
Helen Morbin, Wellbeing Manager, said:
“We’re extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all RBFRS firefighters but like many other services across the country, certain sections of our local community are still under-represented in our Service.
“By organising these Have a Go events, we are hoping to give people who may not usually consider a career in the Fire Service an opportunity to try it out for themselves.”
To take part in the events, you must register in advance. If you have any questions, or would like to register to attend the event, please email: recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk.