Shropshire fire service holding more taster days open to all
Shropshire's fire service is to hold fresh taster days open to all - following criticism earlier this year over sessions targeted at under-represented groups.
Despite insisting that the positive action sessions held in the summer were not recruitment days, service chiefs faced a social media backlash and a string of direct complaints.
Now the service has advertised new taster days to give all those interested in joining the fire service a chance to try job-related tasks such as climbing ladders, casualty evacuation and equipment assembly exercises.
There will be three firefighter taster sessions on October 7 and 14, with 36 places available.
Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said: “The decision to host these sessions has not been taken lightly, it has involved a lot of careful planning and many additional safety protocols have been factored in due to Covid-19.
“We are confident we have done all we can to protect our staff hosting the event and visitors to the station. The experience, although limited, is safe and will give people a chance to ask questions, have a go at some of the work we do and learn more about the role of a firefighter.
Support
“Places are limited, and people will be offered a date and time on a strict first-come first-served basis. We understand those who do not get a space will be disappointed, but we are able to offer extensive online support through our website.
“There will be lots of useful guidance on what being a firefighter is all about released on social media and on our website in the coming weeks, including what to expect during recruitment, information about the written tests and how to get fit, plus a host of other information to support people in their decision making when considering the fire service as a career.
“We are also planning a week-long social media campaign later in the autumn to help potential candidates learn more about the role.”
The sessions are scheduled to start at 10am, 1.30pm and 4pm.
Earlier in the year racist social media comments were directed at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service when it announced taster sessions for women, the LGBTQ community and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, which were identified as groups under-represented within the service.
Some of the comments were deemed so serious, they were reported to the police.
