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Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to recruit wholetime firefighters from June 2023

Set your sights on new career heights with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Service is excited to announce that it will be recruiting for wholetime firefighters in June. Successful applicants will join a holding list and will be called upon as vacancies become available.

Applications for the role will open on Monday 5 June 2023.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 two months.

These sessions are aimed at helping people understand more about the role of a modern day firefighter and the application process.

Those interested in applying in June are encouraged to register their interest, where they’ll be sent information about the role and guidance about the steps involved in the process.

For the first time, successful recruits will train at the new state-of-the-art Service Training Centre in Huntingdon.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland said:

“We’re excited to open recruitment for wholetime firefighters this summer.

“There’s no career quite like that of a firefighter – and while many people might think “I couldn’t do that’’, they’ll be surprised at just how many transferrable skills people can bring to the role.

“In the last few years we’ve welcomed firefighters from all different walks of life. From personal trainers, delivery drivers to administration assistants, as well as colleagues from other emergency services.

“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.”

Chris added:

“All fire and rescue services are part of a national inspection regime that, amongst other things, looks at values and culture.

“In our last two inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) CFRS was noted as good, across all aspects of how we treat our people and how they behave.

“We have long been assessed as a service that is welcoming and inclusive, and where difference is embraced, and I look forward to welcoming the next cohort of recruits to be part of our future.”

Head of Wholetime, Group Commander Jamie Johnson commented:

“We have a much greater emphasis on engaging with communities and working proactively with partners to prevent emergencies in today’s fire and rescue service.”

“We are looking for people who are compassionate, can use their initiative and problem solve, people who can keep their cool under pressure, 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, and be there in their time of need.

“The recruits will initially join a holding list, before spending an intensive first few weeks at our Service Training Centre in Huntingdon, where they will then embark on rewarding careers as part of a supportive team at their future fire stations.”

Following the application window in June, shortlisting will take place and candidates will have to undertake a thorough assessment process, including online aptitude tests, fitness tests and physical assessments, prior to a medical assessment when appointed.

Candidates must permanently reside within 20 miles of the boundary of Cambridgeshire, must be 18 on or before September 2023, 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. You’ll also have to have a good level of physical fitness.

At Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service we value equality, diversity and inclusion, and believe in a workplace where you can be yourself. We want the best people to come and work with us, to encourage diverse ideas, open debate and join us in making our communities safer.

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our communities.

For full details about becoming a wholetime firefighter and the selection process, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk/firefighterYou can also follow the Service’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages for regular updates.