Recruiting firefighters for who they are, not what they are

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's wholetime (fulltime) firefighter recruitment window is opening on Thursday 29th August and they are looking to recruit people who reflect and identify with all our communities across Cheshire.

The Service is looking to recruit a new cohort of wholetime firefighters who will begin their training at the end of March 2025.

In order to properly serve our communities it is important our workforce is diverse. We are looking to recruit a wide range of people to be firefighters and  are particularly keen to hear from those in underrepresented groups who may not initially think firefighting is a career for them, including women, people from the diverse ethnic backgrounds and the LGBT+ community. 

“We have found a great way of letting people see if this is the job for them by holding taster days. These days are the ideal way for people to see first-hand what the role entails, how the application process works and see how their fitness levels measure up. That experience will help people who want to apply by learning more about the job, what’s expected from initial application and how to improve strength and technique for the physical tests.”

Two taster days have been confirmed, one at Chester Fire Station on Saturday 24 August (from 11am to 4pm) and one at Warrington Fire Station on Saturday 7 September (also from 11am to 4pm). Other days are planned in the Halton and Crewe areas and will be published on social media and the Service website, explained Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller.

If you’re passionate about changing lives and want to contribute to saving lives by reducing the risk of incidents, then being a firefighter is definitely the role for you. 

The Service doesn't just fight fires and rescue people.  In fact, only around five per cent of a firefighter’s time is spent attending incidents. They are actively involved in their communities, carrying out prevention work to reduce the chance of fires happening in the first place, delivering road safety campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and working closely with young people through programmes such as The Prince’s Trust Team, Fire Cadets and Respect courses. 

Chief Fire Officer Waller continued:

"Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is one of the best performing and innovative fire and rescue services in the country.

"Our vision is a simple one, to be an outstanding Service where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies and we are looking for people with a wholehearted commitment and willingness to work hard as part of our team.

“The application process is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be a firefighter.

“The heightened emphasis placed on fire safety and prevention in recent years has not only reduced fires within our communities but has also dramatically changed the role of the modern day firefighter.  I would therefore urge anyone who wants to make a difference within their communities and to change and save lives, to come to a taster session and talk to us or contact us via our website.”

As a firefighter, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference within your community, working as part of a team and enjoying a varied career. Other benefits include working in an environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of staff are key priorities, coupled with generous family friendly policies, a range of staff networks, buddying scheme and opportunities to apply for flexible working arrangements. 

Find out more about being a wholetime firefighter and how to apply.