North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is preparing to open up a recruitment window for full time firefighters.

Registration for online applications will open at noon on Monday 8 April and close at noon on Wednesday 10 April.

Senior Operations Manager Stuart Millington said: “We already have an ongoing recruitment drive for on-call (or retained duty system) firefighter opportunities across our Service which is supported by a national website www.oncallfire.uk which encourages people interested in a part time role to get in touch with us throughout the year.

“Now we are preparing to launch a recruitment drive for full-time firefighters which is something we have not done for some time - and this recruitment window will only be open for online registrations for a 48 hour period.

“We want people to join our team - and emphasize that there’s no such thing as a typical firefighter. Applications will be welcomed from all sectors of the community. We recruit on merit and ability, so whether you’re male, female, short or tall, if you think you might have what it takes please keep an eye on our website and social media sites for further information about the recruitment process, as well as taster events and open evenings.  

“We are currently promoting a Taster Day for Women on 23rd March at Rhyl Fire Station. The role of a modern day firefighter is challenging, rewarding and most of all varied - and for such a diverse role we need a diverse workforce which reflects the communities we serve. During our last full-time firefighter recruitment only 12% of applicants were women - whereas in reality around 50% our communities are women.

“This Firefighter Taster Day has been arranged to ensure women make informed decisions about a potential career as a firefighter and in order to reduce the amount of women who may deselect themselves based on misconceptions, old stereotypes or myths. The event is not an opportunity for women to be fast-tracked or given an advantage over any other groups of people - all applicants must go through the same recruitment process and must achieve the same level in any assessments.

“To register for the Taster Day please visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk where there is also a wealth of information for all applicants about what it takes to become a full-time firefighter.