Melton and Rutland people sought to fill 25 firefighter jobs

It’s the first time in five years that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been able to afford to take on such a large new intake.

Have-a-go taster days are being lined up to give anyone interested an insight into the job and qualities they will need.

Applications for the posts, which will be at stations throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, will open on Monday April 10 at 9am and close at the same time exactly a week later.

Steve Lunn, chief fire and rescue officer with the couny brigade, said: “This is a real opportunity for

members of our local communities looking for a new job or even a change in their career.

“We hope to be in a position by late September to welcome a new intake of 25 firefighters of the highest calibre, hopefully better representative of our diverse local communities.

“We hope people take up the opportunity to attend one of our Have-A-Go taster days to get a better insight into what being a firefighter entails and to hopefully encourage them to take that step further to apply.”

The recruitment process has been tagged Aspirational To Inspirational and part of its aim will be to attract applications from underrepresented groups in the community, especially black and ethnic minorities and women. A spokesperson added: “As we are expecting huge demand for the 25 positions available, we are advising anyone who is interested to get involved now. 
“Have-A-Go taster days will be taking place over the next seven weeks to give people an insight into what the role of a firefighter entails as well as the required strength, fitness and aptitude levels.

“It will also give them the chance to find out more information on how rewarding a career in the fire

and rescue service is and what paths of progression there are.

Dates and times of the taster days can be found on the recruitment page on the fire service’s website at www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/recruitment