Cambridgeshire Fire Service looking for new firefighters

Cambridgeshire residents looking for a career change next year are being given the opportunity to join the county's fire service.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue want to recruit wholetime firefighters from January 2021.

It means new recruits can join fire stations across the county from next year.

Applications will open on Monday 4 January 2021, at 8am, and will close two weeks later on Sunday 17 January at 11.59pm.

In the meantime to give people the opportunity to find out more about the role and the recruitment process, a range of information workshops and ‘Have a Go’ days will be held over the next few months.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue say these sessions are aimed at 'busting myths that surround a career ' and to provide applicants with advice and guidance around the selection process.

Applicants don't need to register in advance, or attend a mandatory recruitment event.

Those interested can sign up to receive information about the process and reminders, and the events are now optional.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland said:

"We’re delighted to announce our wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign for the New Year.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to join the team here in Cambridgeshire, helping to keep our communities safe.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’ve welcomed over 30 wholetime firefighters this year, and next year we are hoping to encourage even more applications, particularly with the changes to the postcode restriction and driving licence.

“There is a lot more to being a firefighter than people think. There is a much greater emphasis on engaging with communities and working proactively with partners to prevent emergencies.

“All of our firefighters bring something different to the team and this emphasises why we want to receive applications from a wide range of people from different backgrounds and experiences, so we can better represent those we serve.

“We are looking for people who are compassionate, can use their initiative and problem solve, people who are team players, effective communicators and enjoy working in the community, and most of all those who genuinely want to make a difference to people’s lives.

“We have a thorough training programme to support our recruits to learn the wide ranging skill set of a firefighter, and you’ll be supported every step of the way by your peers and training team.”

Following the application and shortlisting, candidates will have to undertake a thorough assessment process, including online aptitude tests, medical and fitness tests and physical assessments.

Candidates must:

-Permanently reside within 20 miles of the boundary of the county of Cambridgeshire

-Be 18 on or before April 12, 2021

-Have five or more GCSEs A* - C / 4-9 (or equivalent), including Maths and English Language

-Be able to swim

-Hold a full UK driving licence (by point of employment with CFRS) without restrictions

-Not be subject to any unspent criminal convictions

-Hhave to have a good level of physical fitness.

For full details about becoming a wholetime firefighter click here.

Wisbech workshops

WORKSHOP 1- Monday 26 October 2020, 10am - 12pm

WORKSHOP 2- Tuesday 03 November 2020, 10am - 12pm

WORKSHOP 3- Friday 13 November 2020, 10am - 12pm

All workshops will be held at: Rosmini Centre, 69a Queens Road PE13 2PH

For more information contact the Recruitment team on 01480 444500 or email recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk.