Stage 1 – Online Registration

You will need an active e-mail account to complete the Online Registration.

During the Online Registration process you will be asked to provide your personal details and to complete a Realistic Job Preview which allows you to self-asses your suitability for the role – the results of the Realistic Job Preview are private and for your reference and consideration only.  If you choose to proceed, you will then be asked to answer some basic questions to assess your eligibility to apply. 

Stage 2 – Eligibility Assessment

Once you have completed the Online Registration we will contact you within 14 days to confirm your eligibility to apply and the next steps.   There are a number of factors that have to be considered, which includes the days and hours of availability you can offer the role – read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Please note that CVs or any other form of application will not be accepted.

Stage 3 – Online Assessment

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be invited via email to complete the full Online Assessment. The Online Assessment process involves completing a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire, which explores your preferred behaviours in a working environment - no revision or additional study is required for this element.  You will also complete a Situational Judgement Test which measures your judgement and decision making skills in situations that are typical for the role - no knowledge or experience as a Firefighter is required to complete this test and no prior revision is needed. Read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Stage 4 – Mental Ability Assessment

Once you have successfully completed the Online Assessment, you will be invited to attend the Working with Information Tests (WWI) at a Fire Service premises.  The Working with Information Tests include various elements such as, understanding information, working with numbers, problem solving etc. You can access information to assist you in your preparation here

The National Firefighter Ability Practice Booklet

The National Firefighter Questionnaire Practice Booklet

Read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Stage 5 – Physical Ability Assessment

If successful at Stage 4, you will be invited to attend the Physical and Practical Assessment day (PP).  The tests on this day are designed to assess your level of physical fitness in line with requirements of the role.

If you require more information on how to prepare for the physical and practical tests safely, you can view all of the operational tests as well as download a Preparatory Physical Training Programme from:  http://www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk/about-us/recruitment/retained-duty-system-firefighters/fitnesss.  

Firefighting can be a physically demanding and hazardous activity with potential for exposure to high physiological and environmental thermal loads. To ensure effective and safe operational performance an appropriate level of physical fitness is essential.

Read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Stage 6 – Selection Interview and Welsh Assessment

Selection Interview

If successful at Stage 5, you will be invited to attend a Selection Interview (SI).  During the interview you will be asked a series of questions which are designed to measure your personal qualities and attributes . Please view the RDS Candidate information booklet here for further details.

You will also be asked some questions regarding your knowledge and understanding of the Firefighter role and will be assessed throughout the interview on how effectively you communicate.  You can choose to be interviewed in Welsh or English.

Welsh Assessment

The ability to show basic Welsh language courtesy skills are a requirement of this post and ideally candidates will be able to demonstrate Level 2 Welsh on application; however, this is not essential and non Welsh speakers will not be disadvantaged.

Your Welsh language skills will be assessed during the interview process, either by having an interview through the medium of Welsh or by completing a short Welsh language assessment.  The results of the Welsh language assessment will then be used by the Training and Development Department to ensure that successful candidates are given the appropriate support and guidance to achieve Level 2 Welsh within their probation period. 

Stage 7 – Medical

If successful at Stage 6, you will be invited to attend a Pre-Employment Medical with our Occupational Health Service.  Your Medical can only be booked once you have evidenced that you meet the appropriate eyesight standards. Read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Stage 8 – Pre-Employment Checks

You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS criminal record check.  If the results are unsatisfactory* (*if you have undeclared unspent convictions) you will be withdrawn from the Recruitment Process.

In line with the Service’s Values and in compliance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the Service does not require you to disclose details of any ‘spent’ convictions for this recruitment.  To confirm if a conviction is ‘spent’ or ‘unspent’ please visit www.disclosurecalculator.org.uk.

You will also be asked to provide the name and address of two referees, one of which should be your current or most recent employer.  If the references received are unsatisfactory, further enquiries may be made before your appointment can be continued.

Stage 9 – Appointment

Should you be successful in the Recruitment Process, any offer of employment will be conditional upon several factors (these factors will be noted within an employment offer letter, but will include the completion of compulsory training courses and the completion of a probationary period).  If any of the conditional factors prove unsatisfactory then the offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Read the on-call firefighter Recruitment Information Booklet for more information.

Stage 10 – Probation

A probationary period represents part of the offer of employment made, during which performance in the role is formally assessed.  At the end of the probationary period the Service may either confirm the appointment or terminate the employment contract under due process.  The probationary period for new employees commences on the start date laid down in their employment contract.

There are several elements that will be assessed within the probation period, including conduct, capability and the completion of compulsory training.  The on-call firefighter role requires in-depth training, some of which will require attendance at residential training courses – further details will be provided in due course and the Service will be as flexible as possible to accommodate outside commitments when arranging courses.

You will be kept informed on a regular basis of the progress with your application.