Try being a firefighter for a day

Participants will be able to find out more about what it takes to be a firefighter, and try some physical activities themselves to give them a flavour of what’s required and help them decide if it really could be the career for them.

The Service is particularly looking to promote firefighting as a career to women and people from BME backgrounds.

“Firefighting is a career that is open to people from all backgrounds and we are keen for women and people from ethnic minority communities to consider how it might suit them, too,” said Matt Sismey, Equality and Diversity Officer.

“It is challenging, yet hugely rewarding, and we are looking for people who are team players, good communicators, logical thinkers and who can keep calm under pressure - many of the attributes people will have learned through other careers and personal interests.”

Places need to be booked for the following events which will be held at the Service Development Centre at the Dukeries in Ollerton:

Saturday 21st July

Saturday 28th July

Saturday 11th August (exclusive women-only event)

Saturday 18th August

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who thinks they would like to be a firefighter, to come and have a go,” explained Temporary Watch Manager Jasbinder Hayer, who is helping to run the events. “They will be able to wear uniform and breathing apparatus, work with ladders and hoses and watch how we cut people out of vehicles at road collisions.

“It will give them an insight into some of the physical aspects of the job, and they will be able to chat to firefighters about their experiences, find out about their important role in fire and accident prevention, and hear what it feels like to be part of a crew.”

The Service is looking to recruit up to 36 new recruits who must be aged over 17½ and live in Nottinghamshire. Applications will be invited in September and training will begin in 2013.

Places for the five events at the Service Development Centre must be booked in advance. Please email [email protected] to reserve a place.

More information about Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the firefighter recruitment and selection process can be found on www.notts-fire.gov,uk .

The application process will be advertised online and applicants will need to be registered on this site https://jobs.eastmidlandsfire-recruitment.gov.uk/ to apply in September.