The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is changing how it recruits wholetime firefighters.
And they are encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved and see if the fire service is right for them.
The latest recruitment drive – called ‘We Are SFRS, You Are SFRS’ – for wholetime firefighters was launched this week.
The campaign will feature firefighters speaking about their own unique backgrounds and experiences to inspire a new generation and more people from under-represented groups to follow in their footsteps.
Liz Barnes from SFRS said: “We are incredibly excited to launch our new recruitment campaign, reaching out to people from every background through the stories and experiences of our firefighters.
“Our staff are SFRS – it is through their hard work and commitment that we can continue to protect communities. They are people just like you and if they are SFRS, then you can be too.
“Our message is simple: if you have the commitment, the fitness, the enthusiasm and the drive to work as part of a national team to save lives - then You Are SFRS and we want you to apply.”
The service is moving from the traditional four-week period, recruitment will now be open year-round.
That will ensure more regular intakes of new firefighters who are not only trained to protect their communities, but work to prevent risk from occurring.
It will shift the focus to regional requirements across the east, north and west of the country, meeting local workforce requirements from a bigger pool of applicants.
And the move has been implemented ahead of the ‘We Are SFRS, You Are SFRS’ recruitment drive.
Under the new recruitment process, applicants will be progressed for vacancies within the area they select at point of application.
Firefighters will undergo a three-month intensive training programme, during which they will learn how to tackle fires in homes and businesses, rescue casualties and render first aid, attend road traffic collisions, and work safely at heights.
But importantly, they will also be expected to learn how to prevent fires and harm by identifying risks and working with partners to share practical safety advice with communities to ensure they stay safe.
Ms Barnes added: “You can take many routes within this Service and we will help you to make the most of the opportunities available to you but I urge you to take that first step and apply to become a wholetime firefighter.”
More details on the opening of wholetime recruitment are available online at www.firescotland.gov.uk/.
