Fire service invites residents to attend series of hands-on discovery sessions in West Sussex
People across West Sussex are being encouraged to find out what it takes to become a firefighter at a series of free discovery sessions taking place at local fire stations this November and December.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is hosting the in-person events at Midhurst and Shoreham Fire Stations, giving potential recruits the chance to experience aspects of the role and learn more about a career in the service.
The sessions will include opportunities to explore the fire station environment, speak to serving firefighters and recruitment specialists, and take part in practical activities similar to those used during firefighter recruitment assessments.
As part of the service's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, dedicated women-focused sessions will also be held, giving female attendees the chance to hear directly from female firefighters, learn about the demands of the job and build confidence around the fitness and recruitment requirements.
The sessions will take place on the following dates:
Friday, November 27 – Midhurst Fire Station
9am to 11am: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
11.30am to 1.30pm: Women-focused Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
2pm to 4pm: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
Tuesday, December 1 – Shoreham Fire Station
9am to 11am: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
11.30am to 1.30pm: Women-focused Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
2pm to 4pm: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
Saturday, December 5 – Shoreham Fire Station
9am to 11am: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
11.30am to 1.30pm: Women-focused Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
2pm to 4pm: Wholetime Firefighter Discovery Session
Catherine Walker, Head of People, Culture and Assurance at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We are looking for people from all backgrounds who share our values and are passionate about serving their communities.
“Our Discovery Sessions offer a valuable opportunity to gain a realistic insight into the role of a firefighter and learn more about what a career in the fire and rescue service involves.
"Attendees will have the chance to meet our firefighters, explore the station environment, take part in practical activities and find out more about the recruitment process. Whether you're seriously considering applying or simply want to learn more, I would encourage you to join us."
Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said the role offered a varied and rewarding career with the opportunity to make a difference to people's lives.
She said: "Being a firefighter is a challenging, rewarding and varied career that offers the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives every day.
"These Discovery Sessions provide an excellent opportunity to experience aspects of the role first-hand, speak to firefighters about their experiences and gain a better understanding of what it takes to join our service.
"We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and I would particularly encourage women and people from all backgrounds to come along and discover the exciting opportunities available within West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.”