Got what it takes to be a career firefighter? Find out

July 7, 2006

Anyone who has ever thought about becoming a career firefighter will get their chance to go find out if they have what it takes when physical tests are held at open days around New Zealand this month.

The physical pre-entry tests (PPT) will be staged in Auckland, Rotorua, Wanganui, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin on the July 29 or 30. Anyone who thinks they are up to it can come along at no cost to see what is needed to join New Zealand’s 1680 career firefighters.

The PPT consists of numerous strength and endurance tasks, such as running a hose out for 40 metres, doing a stair climb with an 18kg weight on the shoulders, dragging a 90kg dummy 30 metres and doing press-ups and lifting weights.

National recruitment manager Geoff Purcell says the idea behind the open day is to give people who want to join the Fire Service a good idea of where they stand.

“If someone is looking to become a firefighter, they need to pass the PPT. Giving them the chance to have a dummy run at the test means they know what areas to work on before going on to apply.

”One of the most common reasons people drop put of the recruitment process is that they are unprepared for the PPT.”

Participants can also have a dummy run at the pre-entry cognitive test and get help filling in the application if required.

Mr Purcell says the Fire Service is particularly looking to attract women and people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds to ensure the service reflects the communities in which they serve.

Applications for the latest round of firefighter recruiting close on September 29, two months after the open day, with the training course for successful applicants starting in January.

To take part in an open day test, call 0800 FIRE RECRUIT (0800 347 373) to book a session near you.

To see the full test carried out, watch the PPT video at www.fire.org.nz/recruit/demo_videos.htm .

ENDS

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