How to Become a Firefighter in Australia

Today, most people are looking for white-collar jobs to work their way up to a corner office as their careers progress. Today's generation is known for overlooking some of the most rewarding jobs in the pursuit of low-risk employment opportunities, especially for university graduates. However, a recent study showed that a significant number of both upcoming and accomplished firefighters hold university degrees. In terms of job satisfaction, they are some of the top-ranked professionals in the country. Most graduates are swayed towards joining this profession owing to the numerous benefits, pay, and lifestyle led by firefighters.

However, to become a firefighter, you need to meet a few thresholds. This article is focused on answering the question how to become a firefighter in Australia.

The role of a firefighter

Before looking at the process of joining the ranks of firefighters, you need to understand the roles and duties that come with the job. In most cases, applicants fill their applications with limited information when it comes to the role of a firefighter. In Australia, fire services have three approaches,

• Urban and salaried

• Rural and volunteer- with salaried options

• Government land covering both volunteer and salaried opportunities

Most of the firefighter groups and organizations in Australia have their culture, history, mission, and goals. To succeed in this career, firefighters need to consider these aspects when choosing a working environment that best fits their needs.

Before filling your application, you need to decide whether you want to work in an urban landscape or rural area in a part or full-time capacity. You need to remember a firefighter not only fights fires, but they also take on various roles. Some of these include educating the community on fire safety or helping the community develop preventive measures against fire.

As an Australian firefighter, you may be called upon to

• Inspect the aftermath of bush or structure fires

• Inspect buildings for fire safety and give official approval

• Participate in rescue operations for incidents involving marine disasters or auto accidents

• On top of being called in to fight actual fires, you may be called in in cases of disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and even earthquakes.

Qualities of a Firefighter

All these roles need you to be well trained and equipped to perform at a moment's notice. To get you ready, most firefighting organizations insist on an educational period where the fighter can get all the training they need, equipping them with extra sets of skills that can come in handy on the field. To become a successful firefighter, there are certain traits that you need to display, these include.

• Ability to work closely with others as a team

• Show great commitment to the community within your service area.

• Be ready to participate in regular and ongoing training sessions.

• Be ready to work with the community in various ways, such as training, preparedness, and education.

• You should also focus on preserving natural habitats as well as wildlife.

• You should also show that you can work individually under minimal supervision and, more importantly, follow orders from your superiors.

• You should also be able to maintain a state of calmness in an emergency or crisis.

Qualifications for becoming an Australian firefighter

Before answering how to become a firefighter in Australia, you need to understand the requirements needed to apply to the training program successfully. Some of which may be basic such as permanent residency and Australian citizenship. Here are a few requirements you need to meet

• A permanent residency status or Australian citizenship

• An education to the basic level required and acceptable by the organization you can present a completed Trade Certificate or Tertiary qualification

• Ability to show employment experience with most organizations requiring at least two years of experience in the employment industry

• Current first-aid certificate, most preferably a senior First Aid Level 2 certificate

• An Australian C class license without restrictions and a confirmation of completion of a Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Assessment can also present an Australian MR Class driving license with no restriction.

• You also need to present medical consent to engage in physical abilities testing.

• A police character check

After getting all the requirements, I can now focus on answering, how do i apply to become a firefighter?

There is no technical approach when applying to become a firefighter. Once you organize all the basic requirements, all you have to do is fill up an application, either online or physically and submit it to the firefighting organization. Once you are shortlisted, you will be required to take both a written and physical test. Before being allowed to enter a training program, you must first pass the two exams with the written exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions and the physical test consists of various fitness tests. Some of which include climbing flights of stairs, distance running, and lifting weights of up to 200 pounds.

Benefits of being a firefighter

After covering the bases, it is best to look at some of the benefits of the profession.

Job Security and pay- according to various statistics, a firefighter Victoria salary averages $48,000 with a growth rate of 7% as you progress in your career.

Teamwork- Working as a firefighter can be extremely rewarding, especially for people who enjoy working with others.

Physical fitness- to be efficient at their job, firefighters need to be in top shape. This means you can actively engage in physical exercise to maintain a fit body.

Educational requirements- becoming a firefighter gives you a chance to learn multiple skills without necessarily attending an institution of higher learning.

As stated before, professional firefighters have been known for exhibiting the highest level of job satisfaction when it comes to careers. This is influenced by a firefighter Victoria salary and a chance to impact others' lives positively. Now you have the answer to the question how do how do i apply to become a firefighter?