Got what it takes to be a career firefighter?

Anyone who has ever thought about becoming a career firefighter will get their chance to find out if they’ve got what it takes when physical tests are held at open days around New Zealand in December.

The physical pre-entry tests (PPT) will be staged in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin on December 1st, 8th or 9th depending on location. Anyone who would like to test themselves against the PPT can come along at no cost to see what is needed to join New Zealand’s 1687 career firefighters. To take part in an open day test, people should call 0800 347 373 to book a time.

The PPT consists of a number of 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 shoulder presses.

National recruitment manager, Peter Wilding, says the open day testing gives people who want to join the Fire Service, but are unsure of their fitness level, an 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 trial run at the test means they know which areas to work on before going on to apply.

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

Applications for the latest round of firefighter recruiting close on 5th March 2008, giving those who try out on the open day three months to work on any areas of weakness before taking the test “for real”.

Attendees will also experience being in a buildings heated to 70 degrees where they would normally be required to perform tasks in blackout conditions. Also covered on the open day will be how to complete the application form and general information about the recruitment process.

The Fire Service is seeking to employ a more diverse workforce, and would encourage ethnic minorities and women to attend this day to increase their chances of being selected.

The training course for successful applicants will be held in July 2008. To take part in an open day test, call 0800 FIRE RECRUIT (0800 347 373) to book a session at one of the six locations below.

For more information on what being a career firefighter involves, visit www.fire.org.nz/recruit You can see the full PPT video there as well.

Where the tests are being carried out:

1st Dec Auckland NZFS Mt Wellington Training Centre, 3 Pleasant View Road,

Panmure (off Pilkington Rd) 1st Dec Rotorua NZFS National Training Centre, 67-97 Te Huaki Cresent, Rotokawa, (opposite Rotorua Airport) 1st Dec Napier Napier Fire Station, 18 Taradale Road 1st Dec Dunedin Dunedin City Fire Station, Castle Street 8th Dec Wellington NZFS Kilbirnie Training Centre, 163 Rongotai Road 9th Dec Christchurch NZFS Woolston Training Centre, 9 Olds Place

ENDS

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