Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is calling on women and people from diverse backgrounds to consider identifying firefighting as a career.
Deputy Commissioner of Fire Safety at FRV, Michelle Young said it was great to see women in operational firefighting roles across Victoria, and FRV remained focused on recruiting diverse candidates.
“When you put on a uniform you shouldn’t be in a minority – we need to reflect the community we serve,” Deputy Commissioner Young said.
“It’s no secret that firefighting is a traditionally male-dominated industry but we’re committed to changing the stereotypes and making our profession more equitable,” she said.
“Approximately 16 per cent of firefighter recruit applications were from women during the last intake, which was a three per cent increase on the previous year, and we are looking for more applicants.”
Deputy Commissioner Young said that with firefighter recruitment applications to open later this year, there was plenty of time for people to prepare and train for a new career in fire and rescue services.
She said FRV had created training videos and resources for people to use to prepare for the physical assessments, and strongly encouraged anyone interested in becoming a firefighter to access them.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” she said.
“We want to show women and people from all walks of life that no matter what their current profession, firefighting is something they can do, and can do incredibly well.”
Deputy Commissioner Young said FRV hoped that women and people from diverse backgrounds would take up the challenge and in turn, help it to change the stereotypes, minds and behaviours of the communities it served.
Updates on FRV recruitment, as well as preparation resources, can be accessed at this PS News link.
