Avon Fire & Rescue Service has launched a second firefighter recruitment campaign, following the first in April, marked by the graduation of their successful candidates.

Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service
In April this year, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) launched its first recruitment campaign in eight years.
The ‘Yes You Can’ recruitment campaign received almost 800 applications and on Friday 15th December, in front of their family and friends, the successful candidates graduated at the Severn Park Fire & Rescue Training Centre.
The recruits passed a rigorous selection process which included written tests, fitness and strength tests, an interview and medical.
Over the past couple of months, they have undertaken a packed schedule in which they have been taught the technical and practical skills required to become a firefighter.
This has included safe working at height, water safety, breathing apparatus, hazardous materials and road traffic collision procedures.
Friday also marked the launch of the next recruitment campaign, as AF&RS is once again looking for aspiring firefighters from across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Simon Shilton said: “We were thrilled with the level of interest we received from our last recruitment campaign and I look forward to welcoming our new recruits on to stations in the next few weeks.
“Anyone who narrowly missed out last time or is inspired by the achievements of our graduates will be pleased to hear that applications for our next recruitment campaign open on Monday 15th January and I encourage anyone interested in joining AF&RS to apply.
“The service will be encouraging applications from groups currently under-represented within the workforce, particularly women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.”
Simon added: “The ‘Yes You Can’ campaign is aimed at people who have all the physical and personal attributes to become a firefighter, but maybe think they can’t do it – our message is simple, yes you can!
“Becoming a firefighter is now a role where you can save a life in so many different ways, from helping someone at a road traffic collision or other emergency to providing education in homes, schools and workplaces to keep people safer.”
If you would like to find out more about the role of a firefighter before you apply, go along to one of the four recruitment awareness events which are being held at the beginning of January.
Applications will open for one week from Monday 15th January to Monday 22nd January. For more information, visit: www.yesyoucan.careers.