WMFS Recruitment Success

[Jack.B]

After five years, nine different attempts, and lots of frustration and upset, I can finally confirm that I have been accepted, signed my contract, and will begin my Trainee Firefighter Development Programme, course 01/23 in the upcoming January! 

It has been a long but rewarding journey that didn’t seem like it would end. My biggest obstacle was the online assessments. I’ve always struggled with Maths, English etc and this was proving it. After all, it had failed me 8 times already. Since I submitted my first application back in 2017, giving up was not an option. 

On my ninth attempt in January - March 2022, I finally did pass the online assessments and I then went on to complete the CDI (Commitment to Diversity & Integrity), Behavioural Assessment Day (Group Discussion, Interview, Role Play), Physicals, and then the Medical and Face Fitting throughout the year until I received my start date in November for January 2023.

I sit here now writing this post with pure excitement, fulfilment, and eagerness to start and learn. I am also feeling very humbled to be in the position I am in now. No matter where you are in the process, how many setbacks you have or have had, or what you are struggling with… keep going. Make those sacrifices and put in the effort. There’s a reason why the process is hard, but it is 100% possible. Self-development is your friend here, and so is self-reflection. Never stop learning and don’t cut corners. Seek advice, ask questions, visit stations and study/research every detail of the process. If anyone needs advice on any of the process (primarily WMFS) then get in touch! 

My goal now is to strive for excellence, learn as much as possible, and become a great addition to my service. I’m excited to see where my career takes me and to progress as a firefighter and person. It’s been a long time coming, but now I can officially call myself a trainee firefighter… Unbelievable. 

I’d like to express a massive thank you to all those who have given assistance and advice over the last few years on this forum. Especially @Andy252. All have helped and shaped my journey so far… so thank you. 

To all those currently in the process of looking at applying… good luck, and work hard! If you need any advice, you know where to contact me  
 

[Messyshaw]

Your acceptance for employment as a trainee FF coincides with mine 46 years ago, and although much has changed (for the better), its reassuring to recognise that your raw excitement reminds me of exactly how I felt as the weeks slowly - too slowly - wound down to my first day.

At the end I came out of training school into the first ever FBU national strike. Its likely too that you may have your early career effected by an industrial dispute, but after reading the huge effort you made to get this far, I doubt as if that will cause you any problems

Congratulations and well done on that super human effort. A fine example to many others here whose heads are dropping after another year perhaps without success that the key is to keep on going. Would I have had your strength and resilience to carry on? I would like to think so, but I really don't know.

Enjoy your journey..... I did!

[Rory-495]

Huge congratulations! Maybe write a blog on here with the process and then how the course is progressing? Would be helpful for new applicants 

[Keith]

An early Christmas present for you @Jack.B. All the best for your course in January.🙂

[Andy252]

Fully deserved mate 👏 

[Silvah098]

Might see you on your trauma care course apparently the one I had from Cheshire when I transferred in was not good enough to warrant a refresher or assessment so I've got to do a full course with you lot at the end of Jan. Although it does clash with a USAR course so who knows what they'll have me doing. 

 

Congratulations and maybe I'll see you soon.

[Luminoki]

Congrats mate, been following your journey on twitter and im made up for you

[Carl]

Well done @Jack.B. Not a bad start to your Christmas. 

Hope you stick around and join in the operational stuff over the coming years

[Jack.B]

On 24/12/2022 at 15:47, Rory-495 said:

Huge congratulations! Maybe write a blog on here with the process and then how the course is progressing? Would be helpful for new applicants 

It’s certainly a great idea! If I have the time I’ll post some stuff!

On 23/12/2022 at 23:42, Messyshaw said:

Your acceptance for employment as a trainee FF coincides with mine 46 years ago, and although much has changed (for the better), its reassuring to recognise that your raw excitement reminds me of exactly how I felt as the weeks slowly - too slowly - wound down to my first day.

At the end I came out of training school into the first ever FBU national strike. Its likely too that you may have your early career effected by an industrial dispute, but after reading the huge effort you made to get this far, I doubt as if that will cause you any problems

Congratulations and well done on that super human effort. A fine example to many others here whose heads are dropping after another year perhaps without success that the key is to keep on going. Would I have had your strength and resilience to carry on? I would like to think so, but I really don't know.

Enjoy your journey..... I did!

Thanks mate! It’s inspiring to hear that and hear from someone who had that excitement. I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, from as long as I can remember. Never considered anything else and although I’ve worked for other emergency services, I always knew firefighting was the end goal (in respect to what I wanted to be). I honestly can’t put into words the excitement I’m feeling. I’m also feeling confident (but not cocky), as I’ve done a lot of pre learning over the last month or so that I found on their portals. So I’m at least going into training with some base of knowledge on Fire Behaviour, BA, Hose, Pumps, Ladders, Etc. I honestly can’t wait to start, yet it still doesn’t seem real 😂.

 

As for the strikes, they are preparing for the course to be hit by it as I received a letter explaining that if they do it, the course will be tweaked. But this will just mean extending it or moving things around so I’ve got no worries really. I’m lucky to be here in the first place! I guess it’ll mean more time to study 🤷‍♂️.

On 27/12/2022 at 11:36, Silvah098 said:

Might see you on your trauma care course apparently the one I had from Cheshire when I transferred in was not good enough to warrant a refresher or assessment so I've got to do a full course with you lot at the end of Jan. Although it does clash with a USAR course so who knows what they'll have me doing. 

 

Congratulations and maybe I'll see you soon.

Ah mad, yeah I’ll have to look out for you!

On 27/12/2022 at 19:32, Luminoki said:

Congrats mate, been following your journey on twitter and im made up for you

Thanks mate, I think you’re the third or fourth person to say that and I’m like wow, someone actually follows my twitter 😂😂. I’ll be definitely posting updates on there about my progress 💪