Bushfires spark huge interest in firefighter jobs and volunteering

There’s been a surge in interest from aspiring firefighters in light of the QLD and NSW bushfires. THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES

A surge of aspiring firefighters is expected across the country as Queensland and New South Wales’ horrific bushfires thrust the role into the spotlight.

NSW Rural Fire Service received almost three times as many membership inquiries in the past week (4950 inquiries) as they did in the whole 2018-19 financial year (1737) and more than 60 times as many as the same week last year (75).

Community engagement manager Anthony Bradstreet said there was often an increase in people wanting to volunteer during periods of major fire activity – although this spike was particularly noticeable.

“We welcome new members and support them to become firefighters and support their local communities,” he said.

Firefighters prepare for fires near Spicers Gap, near Aratula, Queensland. Picture: Peter Wallis

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority experienced a “significant increase” in volunteering inquiries, too, with a spokeswoman noting demand for both operational and support roles.

Interest in paid positions also often increased, according to Victorian Metropolitan Fire Brigade leading firefighter Anna Schwager.

“We are encouraged to hear from so many people who have a genuine desire to serve their community – this is a quality that is highly valued and respected at MFB,” she said.

“Firefighting is an extremely popular career choice with recruitment each year attracting a high number of applicants.”

The Victorian Fire Services – MFB and CFA – received about 7000 applications during its last recruitment drive and applications for the next intake open on Monday.

About 60 fires were burning around New South Wales on Thursday morning. Picture: NASA/Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies via AP

Fire Recruitment Australia founder Brent Clayton, who helps aspiring firefighters prepare for the highly-competitive recruitment process, said his subscriptions jumped by about 17 per cent last fire season.

He said Australia was “in the middle of the largest recruitment in history”, driven mainly by population growth, current workers approaching retirement age, and the need for many states to play catch up after years of below-average hiring.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services executive manager of talent acquisition Michelle Sheedy said job openings were increasing in the sunshine state.

“Ordinarily we would run a recruitment campaign every 12-24 months and it’s basically driven by our workforce needs,” she said.

“At the moment there is a higher need for a number of reasons – (one being) mandatory retirement at 65.”

She said Queensland’s recruitment campaigns attracted 2000 to 5000 applicants, with 75 to 150 landing jobs each year.

“It used to be a lot lower but we are picking up the pace now,” she said.

MORE NEWS:

NAPLAN stress giving rise to modern-day Mary Poppins

Why retail staff are telling customers to go online

The burger so good people are killing for it

Eco startup gets McConaughey touch

Firefighters battle a spot fire in Hillville, NSW. Picture: Getty Images

The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service also reported increased recruitment over the past five years.

Assistant chief fire officer Peter Mason said the best firefighters were community minded, quick thinkers, problem solvers, team players, physically fit and healthy, and able to use good judgment and initiative.

“We also seek people who are dedicated to lifelong learning and continual self-improvement,” he said.

Fire and Rescue NSW typically received between 5500 and 7000 applicants in a recruitment campaign, with 100 to 150 progressing into training.

Acting chief superintendent Brendan Cox said people were often successful in their second, third or fourth attempt.

He shared advice for aspiring firefighters while they waited for the next intake:

– Stay physically fit and healthy

– Visit a fire station and talk to the firefighters to obtain as much information as possible about the role

– Register your email address to receive an alert when the next recruitment campaign opens

– Review website resources to get a better idea of the recruitment process and job requirements

READ MORE EMPLOYMENT NEWS IN THE CAREERS SECTION OF SATURDAY’S THE COURIER-MAIL, THE HERALD SUN, THE ADVERTISER AND THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Originally published as Bushfires spark huge interest in firefighter jobs and volunteering