The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are looking to recruit new retained firefighters for stations across the Island including East Cowes, Ryde, Bembridge, Sandown, Ventnor, Freshwater and Yarmouth.
The men and women who work as on-call firefighters provide the Island’s retained duty system (RDS) and come from every walk of life and include shopkeepers, builders, plumbers, farmers, secretaries, engineers and directors of companies, together with people who are not currently employed.
Previous experience is not required for the role of a retained firefighter as a comprehensive training programme is provided. What is important is that you are enthusiastic and can meet certain essential requirements. Crucially, you must be able to reach the fire station quickly and safely after being alerted to an incident, within around 4-6 minutes. The role can be physically demanding and therefore physical fitness is of utmost importance.
On average, retained stations can be called out 2 or 3 times a week for 1 hour and firefighters are required to attend a drill night each week. If you can’t be available all of the time it’s not a problem as IWFRS are particularly keen to hear from people who are available during weekdays and weekends.
Successful candidates will be required to attend a ‘Safe to Ride’ course which will be 12 days in duration. If you are successful in completing this course you will also then be required to attend a Breathing Apparatus Course which will be of a similar duration within the subsequent 12 months.
Retained firefighters are paid a retainer and are paid for each call out, as well as receiving thorough training enabling achievement of a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence and a certificate in First Aid.
For more information and to enquire further visit https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Fire-and-Rescue-Service/Recruitment-Opportunities1/Recruitment-Fire/Retained-Firefighter-Opportunities.
