Is being a wholetime firefighter the job for you?

Have you thought about being a wholetime firefighter with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service? Come and find out about the role at one of our May practical taster sessions.

Our wholetime firefighter recruitment process is anticipated to start later this year (2024) or early 2025. We are offering anyone who wants to see if this could be the role for them the chance to try out at one of our forthcoming taster sessions.

We have organised taster events at our state-of-the-art training centre in Winsford for prospective applicants to try out the practical tests, speak to serving firefighters and learn more about the role and the application process:

Friday 24 May 2024

• • 09:30 – 13:00
  • 13:30 – 17:00

Saturday 25 May 2024

• • 09:30 – 13:00
  • 13:30 – 17:00

As places are strictly limited we would ask you to register here.

You will then receive an email containing further information such as where to meet and what to wear (gym clothing - but not shorts - is ideal). Please note that anyone who wishes to attend one of the taster events must be 18 years of age or will be 18 by 1 September 2024. Also, those who have attended a taster session in the past need not apply, to enable space for those who haven’t had a try.

In order to properly serve Cheshire’s communities it is important our workforce is diverse. We are looking to recruit a wide range of people for these roles and the taster sessions are open to all. We 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.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller explained:

"The Service will be looking to recruit a new cohort of wholetime firefighters,"

“Taster 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. This 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.”

Changing lives, saving lives, every day is different:

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 the role for you. 

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service does not 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, acknowledged by many awards and accolades.

"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.