Wholetime Firefighter Recruitment 2024
Recruitment for 2024 is happening now!
We are excited to share that the recruitment for Wholetime Firefighters at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is underway. Please read all below information on our: Engagement Sessions; Registration and Eligibility; Application process; Selection Days; and Medicals and Pre-Employment Checks.
Please note: Due to overwhelming interest in our Wholetime opportunities, we have made the decision to move our dates a little, you will see updates in the timeline we have below - please take note of these dates and consider if you will be available for them, as we are unable to offer alternative dates.
Keep checking back to this page for further updates.
- The Resourcing Team, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
Please see the Wholetime Firefighter Recruitment timeline for 2024. Please check these dates carefully and ensure you will be able to attend each step of the process, as we are unable to offer alternative dates.
Engagement Sessions - Virtual and In-Person - Nov - Jan 2023/24
VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS - OCT TO DEC 2023
As part of our recruitment process, we have held a number of virtual engagement sessions.
Sessions held have been:
- Initial Engagement Session - 7pm, on 29/10/2023
- Women In Fire Virtual Session - 7pm on 07/11/2023
- Neurodiversity and Dyslexia virtual session - 7pm on 20/11/2023
- 'What Can CFRS offer you?' virtual session - 7pm on 23/11/2023
- Wholetime Recruitment Q & A virtual session - 7pm on 20/12/2023
(video clips at the bottom of the page!)
HAVE A GO DAYS - JAN 2024
Due to a high level of interest, we have made the decision to move the Have A Go Sessions to Jan 2024. We apologies for any inconvenience with this, but we will still be having the sessions at the same locations, but will just be moving the days to Jan 2024 to accommodate for more people.
We will be holding sessions at:
Saturday 13th Jan 2024 - Carlisle East Fire Station
Friday 19th Jan 2024 - Ulverston Fire Station
Saturday 27th Jan 2024 - Workington Fire Station
For all Have A Go Days, please note:
- Morning session 10am - 12pm. Doors open 9.45am for candidates to arrive, and then will close at 10am for the session to start.
- Afternoon session 1pm - 3pm. Doors open 12.45pm for candidates to arrive, and then will close at 1pm for the session to start.
More details below!
Registration & Eligibility - Opened January 2nd 2024
Further information is below on Eligibility to become a Wholetime Firefighter and the Registration Process.
Registration & Eligibility - Closed - Friday 19th January 2024
Make sure you read all the key info in the Registration and Eligibility section below.
Online Assessments & National Ability Tests - Opened Monday 29th Jan 2024
Further information is below on the online assessment tests and National Ability Tests, in the relevant section.
Online Assessments & National Ability Tests - Closed - Monday 26th Feb 2024
You have 4 weeks to complete all tests, so please make sure you read all the key info in the Online Assessments and National Ability Tests section below.
Practical Selection Days - March 2024
Please see below the dates for the Practical Selection Days. For more information on what happens at the Practical Selection Days, please read the section below.
Week 1 - Carlisle East Fire Station
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Thursday 14th March 2024
Week 2 - Barrow Fire Station
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Wednesday 20th March 2024
Assessment Days - April 2024
The Assessment Days will be held on: Monday 8th April 2024, Tuesday 9th April 2024, and Thursday 11th April 2024. They will all be held at Carlisle East Fire Station.
For more information on what happens at the Assessment Days, please read the section below.
Pre-Employment Drop-In Sessions - 17th / 18th April 2024
To support candidates with pre-employment checks, we are holding drop-in sessions at Penrith Fire Station.
Those who are successful at the Assessment Days will receive further information on how to book a slot and what they need to bring along to these days.
Medicals - May & June 2024
Medical Days will be held across several dates in May and June 2024. This is to offer multiple days in case candidates are on holiday, or if there are any delays. Information on the Medicals is below in the relevant section.
Pre-Employment Checks - June & July 2024
For anyone who passes the Medical, the Resourcing team will process your pre-employment checks across June, July, and possibly August 2024. We will aim to get as much initial information from candidates at the Drop-In sessions in March, but DBS checks will be processed following Medicals. Information on the Pre-Employment Checks is below in the relevant section.
Basic Training Course - September 2024
The Basic Training Course will run for up to 14 weeks, starting in September 2024. Successful candidates will need to attend all of the training course. Further information on the course and the training offered is below, in the relevant section.
Please see all sections below that provide detail around each section of the process. Please also see our Wholetime Firefighter Job Description below and our Recruitment Pack.
Please find attached a transcript of the video attached here: Transcript.
Please find attached a transcript of the video attached here: Transcript 2