The Selection Process

Our selection process is a simple 5 stage process.

 

Stage 1

Application Form & Optometric Assessment Form & Initial Meeting 

 

Stage 2

Assessment Day

Pending your Application, Optometric Assessment, and Hours of Availability being received/deemed suitable, you will be invited to carry out the Practical & Physical Assessment, along with the Chester Treadmill Test at either Earlswood, Newtown, or Haverfordwest. The written and interview is now conducted by County Command Officers in Command prior to/following the testing sessions at Training Centres (not on the same day).

Ability Test (written assessment) – 45 minutes

The Ability Test is in accordance with the National Firefighter & Selection Tests. This test is designed to demonstrate your suitability in accordance with the role of a Firefighter.

Physical & Practical Assessments

The Physical Assessment consists of the following tests:-

  • Casualty Evacuation 
  • Ladder Climb 
  • Ladder Lift 
  • Confined Space 
  • Equipment Assembly 
  • Equipment Carry 

Fitness Assessment/Chester Treadmill Test

This test is a 12-minute graded, treadmill walk test designed to assess whether or not you are able to achieve the minimum recommended standard for aerobic capacity

Structured Interview

Approximately 35 minutes

Criminal Background Check

As part of the pre-employment screening, you will be required to complete a Basic Disclosure Application to evidence that you do not currently hold any unspent criminal convictions, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Stage 3

Medical Examination (1 hour, 15 minutes)

During the Medical Examination, you will be tested for the following:

  • Breath Alcohol
  • Drug Urine
  • Lung Function
  • Audiometry (hearing test)
  • Vision Testing – Distance, Intermediate, Colour & Near Vision checks
  • General Testing – Blood Pressure (BP), Pulse & Body Mass Index (BMI)

 

Stage 4

References

Stage 5

Appointment, Induction Day & Initial Recruits Course

Pending successful completion of the stages, you will be offered an appointment with Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service.

You will therefore be required to attend an Induction Day which consists of completing a variety of forms e.g Bank Details for your monthly salary.

Following on from your Induction Day, you will be required to attend the following Initial Recruits Course:-

Module A – Saturday & Sunday (2 days)

Module B – Monday – Friday & Monday – Friday (10 days)

Module C – Friday - Monday (4 days)

 

Have you got what it takes?

In the next section, you'll find some questions that may help you decide if the role is for you.