You might make a great firefighter We Will help you to give it a go

Who can apply?Applicants need to meet the following requirements to be eligible:

be an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

have a manual driver’s license (off P plates by June 2015)

What are we looking for?We are looking for people who can tick most of these boxes.

✓ Are in good health

✓ Like keeping fit and active

✓ Keen for a lifelong career

✓ Like working with a team that is like family

✓ Want to help the community

✓ Willing to learn with support from your mentor

✓ Respected by family and community

the Department of Fire and emergency Services (DFeS) has a new training program for aboriginal people.

the aboriginal Firefighter Cadetship is a way for you to get paid while you develop new skills, get fit and prepare for your lifetime career as a firefighter.

We will help you in every way possible to get into the academy and achieve all the requirements to become a firefighter.

you will be personally guided and supported by mentors, a personal trainer will help you reach your peak fitness and qualified assessors will support you to achieve a Nationally Recognised qualification.

the cadetship starts on 5 January 2015 for one year. it will give you the opportunity to get ready and be confident to apply to become a firefighter.

What does a cadetship offer you?You will end up with a qualification and lots of skills, all while you get fit.

Fulltime employment and salary for one year ($34,626 if you are aged 21 and over)

On the job training in firefighting operations

Support by a personal mentor to help guide you all the way

Individual assistance in maths, literacy and computer skills with tutoring

Tailored fitness program with access to the DFES gym

Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure

Heavy Rigid driver’s licence

Australian First Aid Certificate

This cadetship will give you the best chance to become a Trainee Firefighter.

However, you are still required to apply and meet all of the entry standards for a Trainee Firefighter following completion of your cadetship.

if this sounds like you, you might make a great firefighter if you give it a go.

am i good enough to get in?The selection process will involve a number of steps that we can help you with.

it is ok if you are not good at all of these. you might be good at one bit and not so good at another, but this should not stop you giving it a go if you are keen.

These include:

A letter and resume

Completing a screening form

Attending an information session

Being part of group and team work activities

Fitness assessment

Numeracy and literacy assessment

There will also be:

A medical assessment: There are some conditions that mean you might not be able to participate in all aspects of this program or become a firefighter. This test will also include a drug and alcohol test.

A criminal screening: Just because you have a criminal record does not mean you will not get in. It is only if there are major crimes or lots of smaller records that might stop you getting in.

These will be paid for by the Department.

Do you currently live in a regional or remote location?There may be support available if you need to relocate to take part in the cadetship.

If you are under 25 there are accommodation arrangements that can be made through the Indigenous Youth Mobility Program.

If you are over 25 you may have access to some support to help with living away from home depending on your circumstances and DFES can provide further advice.

how to get ready and apply?if this sounds like an opportunity too good to miss apply now.

Ask two people to be referees for you. We might contact them during the selection process so they need to be able to tell us about you, your previous work and/or your community or sporting involvement.

Create a resume that tells us about your work history, your skills and your education. You will need a resume to attach to your application, make sure you include the contact details for your referees.

Get a copy of your driver’s licence so that you can include this with your application.

Write a letter that tells us about you, your interests, hobbies and any community work or activities you may have done.

how to submit your application?There are lots of ways to submit your application, just make sure to send us your letter, resume and a copy of your driver’s license.

You can:

email it to jobs@dfes.wa.gov.au with the subject line - Aboriginal Firefighter Cadetship

post it to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Recruitment, PO Box P1174 Perth WA 6844

hand deliver it to the Fire and Emergency Services Complex, 20 Stockton Bend, Cockburn Central

applications are open from Monday 8 September 2014 and close on Monday 20 october 2014.

Being a firefighter can be tough and the training is hard, but we will be there to support you every step of the way.

Want to know more?If you have any questions about the cadetship contact heidi Mippy on 0403 849 015 or email heidi.mippy@dfes.wa.gov.au

Heidi can help with any information you need in relation to your medical or criminal screening, accommodation or any other part of the program.

testimonials from aboriginal FirefightersShaneStation officer - Kiara Fire Station

“I joined the Department 13 years ago and am loving every minute. I previously worked at Broome International Airport as a Ramp Services Officer and had the opportunity to work as a part time firefighter. That is where my passion grew for a career in firefighting.

“The big move away from family and friends from Broome was hard at first, but has brought many rewards during my time. The confidence of being part of a team that prepares and trains for the safety of our community is an experience that will last your career.

“You have time on shift to complete your studies, and use the support and knowledge from your fellow firefighters and officers. The shift work is fantastic with four days on and four days off, which allows me to spend more time with my children.

“This is a unique job with benefits that you will not find anywhere else. It feels like a second home on a fire station as you may soon experience. Go for it!”

tobySenior Firefighter - Canningvale Fire Station

“This is a fantastic career, very rewarding but at the same time it is a tough job. Before this I had a career in the AFL and WAFL, and I had a trade as a Boiler Maker.

“As a firefighter you work shift work, although you lose some weekends and nights, the perks of the job are that you get four days on and four days off, and you get the flexibility in your life.

“Your mindset needs to be that you are doing a job for the community, you are working for everyone else. You are representing a service that has been around for a long time and you have to be committed, you have to be fit and you have to do the right thing in all aspects of your life.

“If you are committed and respectful you will go a long way. Being a firefighter can be a lifelong career.”

RobSenior Firefighter - Belmont Fire Station

“I have been with the Fire and Rescue Service for 14 years. I was previously employed as an apprentice Glazier where I completed my trade in the Goldfields.

“I applied to become a firefighter in 2000 as I had friends in the brigade who encouraged me to join and have served the majority of my time in the regional area at the Kalgoorlie fire station. Although I have recently taken up a position in the metropolitan area.

“The thought of having permanency, and being in a stable and flexible rostered job attracted me to apply. The decision to join has been the best for me as working in a fire station becomes like having a second family.

“Working with the crew is fun, while maintaining our training and fitness for our role in the community is rewarding.”

MarkSenior Firefighter - Belmont Fire Station

“It is all about giving yourself a change, raising the bar and making it happen. Before this I was living in remote Broome as an Electrician and Rigger.

“The best thing about this job is the friendships that you make and the team aspect in working with a good group of mates were everyone looks out for each other.

“You get used to the shift work, missing some family occasions, but it rotates around and doesn’t happen all the time. I have been doing it for 12 years now.

“I love being outdoors and the variety every day that being a firefighter brings is just great.”

Applications are open from Monday 8 September 2014 and close on Monday 20 October 2014.

www.dfes.wa.gov.au/registerme

This program is proudly supported by:

koolarkCentre for Aboriginal Students

Project funded by the Australian Government