Retained -> Wholetime

[TheRedMax]

Hi there

I'm not sure if this is posted in the correct section so apologies in advance. Anyway - originally I applied to be a retained fire fighter in the surrey area - its only when I filled in the application form, sent it off and got invited for the Psychometrics that I realised that I must have been sent the wrong form and was now set for wholetime. So I thought I'd go for it anyway and see what happens.

However - I dont know much about the current process for the wholetime recruitment.  I know that theres the psychometrics, followed by the interview - but what else takes place on it? I've heard all sorts of things such as practicals, medicals, physicals and months training at Wray Park Centre.. . .

Can anyone summarise the correct details of roughly what is going to happen to me? I mean -having passed the psychometrics recently- should I pass the interview and everything like that - what happens? Do I go to Medicals and practicals and physicals and then do I go on a training session at Wray Park? Do I get sent to any fire station or is there a choice? Sorry for so many questions but I think i need to know what Im doing!!

Many thanks

Max

[Andy Cole]

Max your a lucky chap! Many people can apply to dozens of brigades before they get even as far as you have!!

Take a look at www.fireservice.co.uk on the recruitment pages I would also suggest looking at Surreys own website.

You are in an enviable position so take the oppurtunity and make the most of it!!

[TheRedMax]

I've been regularly attending drill nights at my local retained station and they said the same thing! Its all very exciting!

[Andy Cole]

That should give you a good insight aswell talk to the guys on station they will probably help you, pop into your nearest wholetime station aswell and see the newest recruit, they will usually be more than happy to help if they can see your making the effort to bother to ask!

Good luck anyway!

[fireftrm]

It is also worth mentioning that the entrance tests are  supposed to be the same for any duty system from April(obligatory from September). So the application form, written and practical tests will eb the same as if for wholetime. I also strongly recommedn www.fireservice.co.uk for their recruitmanet pages and the bulletin board/forum.

[TheRedMax]

Well -  I had my interview at Wray Park in Reigate the other day and *fingers crossed* I think it went OK. I spoke to the Watch Officer at my local station (retained) and he said that, should I not succeed the whole time, then there'll still be a place for me on his team, which is nice. :-)