The FREE one-hour virtual session will take place online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 9 September from 6 pm. It is open to anyone aged 18 and over, with no maximum age limit and no requirement to be a Suffolk resident.
The Service ran a series of virtual and in-person taster sessions in August, with the latter hosted at fire stations across the county. These gave attendees an insight into the life of a wholetime firefighter, and the recruitment and training processes. Participants who attended in person were also able to meet the recruitment team and serving firefighters, who showed them around the station and equipment.
These sessions proved extremely popular, prompting the Service to take the highly unusual step of adding an additional virtual event to meet demand.
Tickets for the added session are available on a first come, first served basis, so the team advises that anyone interested should book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. You can register via Eventbrite - Suffolk Fire and Rescue Wholetime Taster Session- Virtual Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.
The session is open to the public, wholetime external transfers, and on-call firefighters from Suffolk and other services. Attendance at a taster session is essential for anyone wishing to apply later this month, as it ensures that candidates fully understand the role and recruitment process.
Martyn Hazelwood, Recruitment and Retention Manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"This additional virtual session will be the last opportunity for anyone considering a career as a wholetime firefighter to find out what is really involved in the role and what makes our fire service such a great place to work.
“Many people who have attended our sessions have been surprised to find out that being a firefighter isn’t just about fighting fires, so it’s well worth getting a proper insight into what life is like as part of our team before applying.”
Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, added:
“This is fantastic news, not only for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service but for the county – the fact that so many people are expressing an interest in becoming a firefighter shows how valued the role is and how committed our community is to public safety.”
Further information about becoming a wholetime firefighter is available via the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recruitment website: https://suffolk-firefighters.co.uk/wholetime-firefighter/
