Recruitment process
What’s the recruitment process?
Between recruitment processes, an expression of interest can be submitted to the On-Call Team.
- Stage 1 - Fill in the online application form
Every inquiry will be looked at individually, all we ask is, just be honest and tell us about yourself. If you are eligible, you’ll move to Stage 2
- Stage 2 - You’ll be invited in to undergo suitability sift with a Watch Manager
You will be invited in to undergo initial suitability sift with a Watch Manager. This involves reviewing your proposed availability, your location proximity, and fitness level. If you are suitable, you’ll be progressed to stage 3.
- Stage 3 – Fitness test
-
The bleep test involves running back and forth between a set of cones that are 20 metres apart. It will be on a flat surface - getting harder and harder as the levels get higher. You are required to reach level 8.8 to proceed.
- Stage 4 – You’ll be asked to attend the Job Related Tests (JRTs) & Written Assessments.
The videos attachments below will show you what you will be asked to do. If you get through the tests, you’ll move to Stage 5.
Ladder Climb Test
This is to test your confidence whilst working at height. With the guidance of an instructor, you are required to demonstrate a correct 'leg lock' at ground level before ascending a fully extended 13.5m ladder. You must climb this ladder to approximately a second storey height before performing another 'leg lock'. You will then be asked to lean back with your arms outstretched and describe a symbol shown on the floor.
During this test, you will be wearing full fire kit (personal protective equipment), a helmet and a harness.
Ladder Lift Test
This is a test of your upper and lower body strength, and your ability to lift a ladder – something that you will regularly do as a firefighter.
You will be expected to again wear full fire kit and raise a bar that is already 75cm off the ground, to full arm extension and back down again.
Equipment Carry Test
This tests your cardiovascular fitness, stamina and muscular strength and involves carrying a range of fire and rescue service equipment around a course. This must be done within a certain time.
Candidates are required to:
- Pick up and carry two rolls of hose for 100 metres
- Carry one roll of hose at chest height for 25 metres, and then jog 75 metres
- Pick up and carry a 2.4 metre long suction hose and basket strainer for 100 metres, then jog back 100 metres
- Pick up and carry a weight for 100 metres
Equipment Assembly Test
This tests your manual dexterity and requires candidates to follow a set of instructions to assemble and disassemble a piece of equipment – within a set time.
For those who are not familiar with climbing equipment, take a look at this guide to ropes and pulleys.
Enclosed Space Test
This tests your confidence and agility when working within an enclosed space. You will be required to wear full fire kit and a breathing apparatus mask whilst crawling through a series of tunnels in darkness. This simulates some of the conditions that firefighters may face when dealing with compartment fires.
Hose Running Test
The hose running test is designed to analyse the endurance, co-ordination and upper and lower body strength of a candidate, whilst carrying a load. In order to pass the test, candidates are required to run out and make up several lengths of 70mm fire hose within the allotted time.
- Stage 5 – Interview You’ll be interviewed by two or three staff, who will ask questions about you, your skills, and your past experiences.
Remember – be yourself! Pass the interview, and you're through to Stage 6.
- Stage 6 – Fitness & Medical
See our videos above for some tips and hints on some exercises that will help you prepare in advance for this stage. At this stage, you’ll be invited to attend our Occupational Health Centre for a medical. This includes the following tests:
- General health questionnaire - history of physical and mental health, (with additional respiratory questions for the Asbestos Regulations)
- Measurement of pulse, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist measurement
- Urinalysis
- Vision (both near and distance) plus colour vision
- Spirometry (lung capacity test)
- Audiometry (hearing test)
- Drug and Alcohol screening
- Cardiovascular fitness test - chester treadmill test using a gas analyser device with the service fitness advisor”
- General physical examination (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, etc.)
The Chester Treadmill Fitness Test is a 12-minute graded test designed to assess whether an individual can achieve the minimum recommended standard aerobic capacity of 42mlsO2/kg/min. The Chester treadmill test was designed specifically for Fire and Rescue Services.
Note: Depending on your technique you may walk or adopt a gentle jog at the set speed.Ensure you stay on the treadmill and don’t hold on to the railings or bars at any time during the test.
Warm up
Walk on treadmill at 0% for approx. 2-3mins, gradually increasing speed to 6.2km/hr (3.9mph), then start test.
Test Protocol
Speed 6.2km/hr or 3.9mph
- Level 1: 0-2 minutes at 0% gradient. At the end of the level increase the gradient to 3%.
- Level 2: 2-4 minutes at 3%. At the end of the level increase the gradient to 6%.
- Level 3: 4-6 minutes at 6%. At the end of the level increase the gradient to 9%.
- Level 4: 6-8 minutes at 9%. At the end of the level increase the gradient to 12%.
- Level 5: 8-10 minutes at 12%. At the end of the level increase the gradient to 15%.
- Level 6: 10-12 minutes at 15%. End of test. After 12 minutes, you will have reached the required fitness standard of 42mlsO2/kg/min.
On completing the test cool down for 3-5 minutes on a slower speed and flat gradient ensuring your breathing and heart rate is regulated to normal levels before you stop completely.
- Stage 7 - References and enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
You should provide two references on your application – one personal and one business from your latest employer. You will also have to complete a Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
- Stage 8 – Well done, you’re on the course!
So now, relax, enjoy, and look forward to starting your training! Useful documents Below are links to documents you might find useful in applying.