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Hi Tilly,
Just surfing this site and saw your question regarding Firefighters in Oz.
Fire Services in Oz are very similar to those in the UK, and recruit, on average, every 1-2 years. It is highly competitive and almost like a Lottery. The last recruitment drive for my FRS here in the UK saw approx. 4,000 applicants for 16 places. With equal opportunities being high on the agenda and Government targets etc. your average white male has little chance it seems these days. (Please don't get me wrong - I'm not saying it isn't right, I'm just saying that this seems to be how it is).
In Australia, there is a certain criteria that you have to acheive before you can even apply.
All applicants have to have the appropriate driving licence for a Heavy Rigid Vehicle (a Class 2 LGV Licence in the UK) and an advanced First-Aid Certificate. You also have to have a certificate for Word 2000 for some reason !
A friend of mine who is an ex-Royal Marine and Personal Trainer has been trying for the last two years, without success, to get into the Fire Servce in SA and he was advised by a few other Firefighters to join the Police (as it is less competitive and you don't have to have the same entry qualifications) and then to transfer and re-train. I don't know how easy this may be to do.
All I can say, and I don't mean to sound negative, is be patient, get the relevant qualifications (and keep them up to date) and be prepared for a few knock backs.
Personally, I'm going to Oz in August and will be looking to do anything other than be a Firefighter....
Good luck to you both !!
__________________
FiremanMart
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To Poms In Oz Hayley
