February 20, 2007

Anyone who has ever thought about becoming a career firefighter will get their chance to find out if they have what it takes at recruitment open days around New Zealand this month.

The physical pre-entry tests (PPT) will be staged in Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin on March 3 and Auckland on the March 10. Anyone who thinks they are up to it can come along at no cost to see what is needed to join New Zealand’s 1680 career firefighters.

The PPT comprises numerous strength and endurance tasks, such as carrying a 17kg hose for 50 metres at shoulder height, doing a stair climb with an 18kg weight on the shoulders, dragging a 90kg dummy 30 metres and doing press-ups and lifting weights.

Acting national recruitment manager Nigel Liddicoat says the idea behind the open day testing is to give people who want to join the Fire Service but are unsure of their fitness level a good idea of where they stand. “If someone is looking to become a firefighter, they need to pass the PPT. Giving them the chance to have a dummy run at the test means they know what areas to work on before going on to apply.

”One of the most common reasons people drop put of the recruitment process is that they are unprepared for the PPT.” Applications for the latest round of firefighter recruiting close on March 31, giving those who try out on the open day one month to work on any areas of weakness before taking the test “for real”.

Also covered on the open day will be how to complete the application form, learn about the cognitive test, and general information about the recruitment process. The Fire Service is seeking to employ a more diverse workforce, and would encourage ethnic minorities and women to attend this day to increase their chances of being selected.

The training courses for successful applicants start July 2 and September 24, 2007.

To take part in an open day test, call 0800 FIRE RECRUIT (0800 347 373) to book a session near you. To see the full test carried out, watch the PPT video at www.fire.org.nz/recruit/demo_videos.htm .

ENDS

Where the tests are being carried out:
Auckland NZFS Mt Wellington Training Centre, 3 Pleasant View RdPanmure (just off Pilkington Rd) 10th March
Rotorua NZFS National Training Centre67-97 Te Huaki CresentRotokawa Rotorua (opposite Rotorua Airport) 3rd March
Wellington NZFS Kilibirnie Training Centre163 Rongotai RoadWellington 3rd March
Christchurch Christchurch Central Fire StationAccess from 91Chester Street EastChristchurch 3rd March
Dunedin Dunedin City Fire StationCastle StreetDunedin 3rd March

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