Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) announces that it will be recruiting for whole time firefighters to join fire stations across the county from January 2021.
Applications will open on Monday 4 January 2021, at 8am, and will close two weeks later on Sunday 17 January at 11.59pm.
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.
Busting myths
These sessions are aimed at busting myths that surround a career in the fire service and provide applicants with advice and guidance around the selection process.
The recruitment process has been refreshed for 2021. Applicants won’t need to register in advance, or attend a mandatory recruitment event. Instead, 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.”
Welcoming firefighters
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, CFRS welcomed over 30 wholetime firefighters
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, CFRS welcomed over 30 wholetime firefighters this year, and next year they are hoping to encourage even more applications, particularly with the changes to the postcode restriction and driving licence.
Chris stated, “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.”
Training program
Chris added, “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 program 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.”
Career oportunities
Laura Boucher, Recruitment Team Manager commented, “There are so many career opportunities as a firefighter within the Service. For those wanting to progress to management roles, we offer a number of different ways to support and development staff. Or you may want to specialise in a particular area such as community safety or fire protection.”
"There are also opportunities to become trainers or get involved in projects. Or we support people to just be the best firefighter they can be. Whatever you decide, it’s an incredibly rewarding career where no two days are the same.”
“Whether you’ve always dreamt of becoming a firefighter or you’ve never even considered it before, but think it could be the job for you, we’d love to hear from you.”
Short listing criteria
Candidates must permanently reside within 20 miles of the boundary of the county of Cambridgeshire
Following the application window 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, must 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 and not be subject to any unspent criminal convictions.
Candidates also have to have a good level of physical fitness.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service values equality, diversity and inclusion, and believe in a workplace where one can be their own self. CFRS wants the best people to come and work with, to encourage diverse ideas, open debate and join CFRS in making the communities safer.
CFRS actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups in the communities, especially black and ethnic minority groups and women.
