Fire Service Recruitment

mikefire

Hi all,

Just a quick question, apologies if it's been asked before I can't find it.

I'm currently in the middle of the Fire Recruitment process. My friend is also in the process.

I have a Science degree and he has an Engineering one. Neither of us have any proper work experience in those fields. We were just discussing it over the weekend and we were wondering, at interview which would be the more desired profession for the Fire Service.

I personally think an Engineering Degree.

Anyone know?

newrecruit2

It would definitely be the Engineering Degree.

I'd imagine the Science degree would be as advantageous as a Business degree.

mikefire

So the Science Degree means nothing?

derossi

Both degrees would give the same points in a competency based interview.

Iscreamkone

Is the job for a firefighter or as an officer?

I think all the officers have engineering degrees (may have changed recently)

newrecruit2

derossi wrote: »

Both degrees would give the same points in a competency based interview.

Would they not look at Engineering having a relevance to the job?

I was told before than having an engineering degree was a huge plus

mikefire

Iscreamkone wrote: »

Is the job for a firefighter or as an officer?

I think all the officers have engineering degrees (may have changed recently)

It's for a Fire Fighter

derossi

newrecruit2 wrote: »

Would they not look at Engineering having a relevance to the job?

I was told before than having an engineering degree was a huge plus

It's a point based system, so depending on the level of education the more points. Not really relevant to be honest. Plus I have seen many new recruits come in with an engineering degree thinking they know everything.

newrecruit2

derossi wrote: »

It's a point based system, so depending on the level of education the more points. Not really relevant to be honest. Plus I have seen many new recruits come in with an engineering degree thinking they know everything.

Ah ok...that totally flies against what I was told. That when recruitment came around, people with an engineering background would be preferred because of their knowledge.

What else helps in the points based system?

derossi

It's a compentency based interview. Very different than older type interviews so read up on that. When I get a chance later I'll pull out the topics and it'll give you an idea.

derossi

newrecruit2 wrote: »

Ah ok...that totally flies against what I was told. That when recruitment came around, people with an engineering background would be preferred because of their knowledge.

What else helps in the points based system?

Also, if ya think about it, what use would having an engineers degree have for a new recruit in the fire service?

newrecruit2

derossi wrote: »

Also, if ya think about it, what use would having an engineers degree have for a new recruit in the fire service?

I thought if you had an engineering degree, and specialised in civil, you'd have a better understanding of structures and buildings, perhaps their weak points, load bearings etc than someone with say a Business background wouldn't have.

mikefire

derossi wrote: »

It's a compentency based interview. Very different than older type interviews so read up on that. When I get a chance later I'll pull out the topics and it'll give you an idea.

Thank you, that would be very much appreciated.

derossi

newrecruit2 wrote: »

I thought if you had an engineering degree, and specialised in civil, you'd have a better understanding of structures and buildings, perhaps their weak points, load bearings etc than someone with say a Business background wouldn't have.

That's true and certainly useful if you are a senior officer or the officer in charge at an incident. If you get the job you'll learn how to roll hoses, use hydrants, climb ladders, put water on fires, use RTC equipment, HAZchem etc, etc. All I am saying is that while a degree in engineering while certainly no harm, it is no way relevant to what will be expected of you for many years in the job.


Going in to the interview without an expectation that an engineering degree will be any use and if in the job to keep the head down and stick to most senior men and learn as much as you can from them. Down the line you can then use your experience and education to get ahead in the job.

nicknackgtb

At this stage for FF recruitment, it is a level of education they are looking for: Level 8 etc.

Down the lines if interested in going for senior management, both Science and Engineering are recognised for ACFO and SACFO positions.

derossi

nicknackgtb wrote: »

At this stage for FF recruitment, it is a level of education they are looking for: Level 8 etc.

Down the lines if interested in going for senior management, both Science and Engineering are recognised for ACFO and SACFO positions.

Just to add further, they look for education and it gets you points but points from leaving cert to degree is not that important. So don't worry if no degree.

mikefire

Ok, thank you all for the responses.

I realise this is a general question but does anyone know the standard or level of fire fighters they recruit?

Are they people with master degrees or lots of retained experience? What do they typically look for? I've always wanted to be a fire fighter but I have a good, well paid job so could never justify giving that up to join the retained and I feel in an interview this will go against me How can I compete with a guy that can say I sacrificed a better career so I could serve on the retained.

newrecruit2

mikefire wrote: »

Ok, thank you all for the responses.

I realise this is a general question but does anyone know the standard or level of fire fighters they recruit?

Are they people with master degrees or lots of retained experience? What do they typically look for? I've always wanted to be a fire fighter but I have a good, well paid job so could never justify giving that up to join the retained and I feel in an interview this will go against me How can I compete with a guy that can say I sacrificed a better career so I could serve on the retained.

From what I've been told a large percentage are people that are full time elsewhere in the country and want to move closer to home.

Generally it matters very little regarding degrees or your level of education, if you've been in the defense forces its a massive plus.

mikefire

I was speaking to someone that was in the Galway station and was told that basically if you're not from Claddagh then you've little chance of getting in there. Apparently the station is located there and a lot of pull is used to get in.