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More than fighting fire

Being a firefighter is no ordinary job. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding, often operating in confronting and stressful situations, particularly when people are injured or threatened with injury and loss of life.

Our firefighters are an intelligent, highly skilled, ethical and professional team of men and women from all walks of life, who are prepared for anything.

We help anyone, anywhere, anytime, responding to any emergency necessary and we are passionate about safety, education and prevention.

2024 WAFA Recruitment Familiarisation Sessions

Are you a woman who likes teamwork, community service, physical challenges, and problem solving? Are you looking to work as part of a capable, committed crew where no two days are alike? Then a career in firefighting may just be for you!

Join Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) and Fire and Rescue NSW for the annual Recruitment Familiarisation Sessions (also known as PATFam), at the Emergency Services Academy. Gain valuable insights, hands-on experience, and expert advice to ensure you put your best foot forward in the next Permanent Firefighter recruitment campaign.

About WAFA: Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) collaborates with communities, individuals, and emergency services to empower women pursuing roles in the fire service.

Event Details

Dates: 12, 15, 29 April, and 10 May 2024

Cost: $25 per person

Duration: 3 hours (Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the session start time)

Location: FRNSW Emergency Services Academy - 1 Distribution Drive, Orchard Hills

Please note, there is no onsite parking. Please park on Distribution Drive and enter through Pedestrian Gate One.

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Benefits for Participants

Expert Guidance: Gain useful insights from WAFA, and the Fire and Rescue NSW Organisational Development, Talent Acquisition, and Health and Fitness Teams.

Hands-On Experience: Try the PAT (Physical Aptitude Test) elements under supervision to boost your confidence, followed by a strength and conditioning workshop focusing on effective physical preparation for the PAT.

Motivation: Leave with greater confidence and motivation to excel in the PAT and the overall recruitment journey.

Recruitment Campaign Dates

Register your interest to receive updates on when the next recruitment campaign will be advertised.

Not You?

Thank you for registering your interest in the next Permanent Firefighter recruitment campaign. We'll be in touch with more information when the next campaign opens.

Candidate Information Pack

Download a copy to learn more about the role and recruitment process

Not You?

Meet some of our crew

Fire Fit

Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation. We put life first and train to get it right. 

Tasks include carrying heavy loads such as personal protective equipment, handling temperature extremes, variable terrains and confined spaces, all of which impose unique physical and physiological demands on firefighters. 

The FireFit Training Guide is based on an 8-12 week program, depending on each individual's fitness level, and is available to help eligible candidates prepare for the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) during the recruitment campaign. 

The PAT is an assessment of the inherent requirements of firefighting and has been designed specifically to identify and recruit individuals who are physiologically capable of tolerating the work-related demands of firefighting.

We encourage you to start training as early as possible to reach and maintain the required level of fitness.

 

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Get your copy of the FireFit Training Guide

 

Not You?

Prepare for the PAT

Interested in learning more about what the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) involves? Have a look through our PAT videos to learn more about what to expect:

  • The videos show each of the tasks that make up the PAT
  • The PAT is performed as a circuit 
  • Candidates should note the criteria and requirements for each task
  • Candidates must not run at any point during the PAT
  • Rest can be taken between tasks but this will increase the overall time of the PAT completion

 

 

Stage 1

  • Reduced visibility search
  • Ladder simulation

 

 

 

Stage 2

  • Single-sided jerry can carry
  • Stair climb with single-sided jerry can carry
  • Rescue tool static holds
  • Repeated hose drag

 

Stage 3

  • Fire attack simulation
  • Firefighter rescue

 

 

 

Train Like a Firefighter

We have created a series of exercise focused videos which show you how each exercise relates to the physical demands required of firefighters. 

A high degree of strength and endurance is crucial for firefighters to enable the safe and effective execution of operational duties. This includes more than fire, with HAZMAT, Rescue and natural disaster relief jobs contributing to the overall workload. To best prepare for these tasks, both maximal strength and muscular endurance should be targeted and depending on your focus, this will influence the weights and repetitions used in the gym. 

Happy training!