Hi
To share my experiences and ask for advice from anyone who can offer any way out of this dead end apart from reapplying.
I recently passed the papersift and theoretical asessments for the MOD Defence Fire Services recent recruitment campaign. I was then invited down to FSCTE Manston for a day long Physical assessment test package. This consisted of the national fire service testing process - equipment assembly / ladder climb / lifting simulation / cage crawl (BA) test / casualty drag and equipment shuttle.
There were 28 people on each of the 2 days , we think being assessed for around 30 posts nationally. I thought the day had gone well, and (sob sob I hear you say), had to work the night before, drive 280 miles down there then return to work the next night - you could say I was pretty knackered. But it was a lifetime opportunity.
To my horror I received a letter saying I had failed the test 1 week later. I asked for feedback and to their credit I was told I did not complete the equipment assembly test in the required time. I find this impossible to believe but I know I have to believe it, as there is no retest, no 2nd chance. I know 100% that I completed the test well before the time allowed and I am absolutely devastated, as at 43 years old this was just about my last chance of achieving the career I have always desired. From 18 years old I have waited 25 years only to be told I failed on what is a basic but I accept challenging test. You could say it is sour grapes but I genuinely believe I passed this test and it is gut wrenching to know there is no appeals process, no way back.
So the moral of the story to everyone - just make sure you do it properly and exactly as it says on the tin and don’t end up like myself, feeling sorry for yourself - get it right first time.
If anyone has any other feedback apart from the usual ‘get over it’ or ‘reapply next time’ please offer it. Those of you in the job don’t know how lucky you are, you really don’t.
Good luck
