We are always recruiting retained firefighters. Please contact
us immediately by telephone or email or pop into your local
fire station if you are interested.
Our selection process
Firefighting selection is a staged process involving the
following:
- Application form and questionnaire - When we
are recruiting you will need to obtain and complete an application
form and questionnaire. Once we receive your form it will be read
through to see if you meet our basic eligibility criteria;
- Written tests - You'll be required to complete
the basic written tests to check your numeracy, literancy, verbal
reasoning and spatial awareness. In addition, other personal
qualities and attributes such as committment to diversity and
equality will be checked;
- Physical fitness assessments;
- Interview - You will be required to attend an
interview with interviewers and answer questions that help us judge
how you'd perform in different situations. You'll be asked to give
examples from your own experience, whether from work, home or
school/college, to see how you might cope with the varied role of a
firefighter;
- Selection for trainee pool - If you pass the
interview and physical tests, you will be invited to join our pool
of successful candidates. You will then be eligible to attend
for basic training when we need you;
- Medical - Just before attending the basic
training course you will be invited for medical. You'll attend a
medical at our Occupational Health Unit. Only those considered fit
by our Medical Examiner will be accepted for basic training;
- Reference checking - All offers of employment
are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references (covering the
last three years). We operate a strict absence policy and
information concerning sickness records will be closely
scrutinised; and
- Induction - Finally, you'll be invited to
attend an induction session at our headquarters in Ipswich (where
you'll also be measured for your uniform). Your employment will be
reliant on you passing the basic training course and probation
process.