A campaign has been launched throughout Shropshire to advertise Firefighter "taster" sessions that will take place in June. The leaflets and posters have been distributed to local shopping centres and businesses in the hope it will encourage people to consider a career as a Firefighter.
The "taster" sessions will be held on June 17 and 19 in a bid to attract more women and people from under represented groups into the fire service.
People interested in joining Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service will be able to try out some of the physical tests including the ladder climb, casualty evacuation, enclosed space and equipment carry and get to hear about the wide range of activities undergone by today's firefighter.
"Being a firefighter today is much more than just putting out fires. Community Fire Safety, educating schoolchildren, water rescues, first aid and learning how to use a wide range of sophisticated equipment is just part of the knowledge of a firefighter," said Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor.
He urged more women and people from ethnic communities to come to the taster sessions and consider a career in the fire service.
A total of three "taster" sessions will be held at the fire services Training and Development Centre at Telford fire station in a bid to encourage a variety of new recruits. There will be a session just for women, one aimed at black and minority ethnic people and a third session open to everyone.
"We are doing this because we want to be an inclusive service and to ensure that this happens we must encourage a wide range of people to consider a career as a firefighter," said Mr Taylor.
"The number of applicants we receive from under represented groups does not reflect the numbers in our community which is why we are holding such an initiative. We need you to join us."
Would be recruits will also get the chance to look around Telford Fire Station and talk to firefighters. Similar sessions are also being considered for the retained duty system firefighters in the Summer.
