Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is holding a series of firefighter taster days to encourage a more diverse workforce ahead of an autumn recruitment drive.
The service is committed to ensuring that it has a workforce that represents the communities it serves and is encouraging women and people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and those who are LGBT to come along to see if they have what it takes to be a modern firefighter.
More than 90 per cent of its current operational firefighters are white males.
Mark Cashin said: “We are proud of our staff, however, we are also conscious that we do not get many women or people from black and ethnic minority and LGBT background applying for firefighter positions.
“This is something we want to address in a positive way. I still believe that there are some misconceptions as to what it takes to be a firefighter in a modern service.
“I would really urge people to come along to one of the events. They are a great opportunity to discover more about the work we do. We may also be able to dispel any myths about what a modern fire and rescue service looks for when recruiting.”
The taster days are on:
• Thursday, August 4, 10am to 4pm, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Sadler Road, Winsford CW7 2FQ
• Saturday, August 13 10am to 3pm, Crewe Fire Station, Macon Way, Crewe CW1 6DS
• Wednesday, August 17, 10am to 6pm, Warrington Fire Station, Winwick Road, Warrington WA2 8HH
• Saturday, August 20, 10am to 3pm, Ellesmere Port Fire Station, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 0EZ.
The days will include several workshops that will cover issues such as the application process and what personal qualities the Service is looking for when it recruits.
People will also get the chance to have a go at the physical tests that form part of the entrance criteria and chat to firefighters to find out from them what the role is like.
Anyone interested can drop in to one of the sessions between the listed times, allowing an hour to an hour and a half to get the best out of the event or (and this would be really helpful) register attendance in advance on 01606 868308.
