• Current Vacancies
• Fire Control Recruitment
• Firefighter Recruitment
  • Benefits
  • Calendar of Events
  • Commonly Asked Questions
  • Firefighter Recruitment Equality and Diversity
  • Firefighter Self Assessment
  • Positive Action
  • Recruitment Stages
  • Role of a Firefighter
  • Training and Development
• Safeside Volunteer Opportunities
• Support Staff Recruitment
  • Benefits, Terms and Conditions & Training
  • Interview Guidelines
  • Support Staff Recruitment Equality and Diversity

Commonly Asked Questions

Would somebodys physical size have any bearing on their application?

A candidates physical size does not have any bearing on their application. This is a popular misconception due to the fact that there used to be restrictions on height, weight and chest expansion.Candidates are expected to pass strength and fitness tests as part of the process.These are at a level that is achievable by men and women of all different sizes and builds.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Due to both the volume of people who show an interest in joining the Fire Service and the length of time the selection procedure takes, it can take between 6 - 7 months for applicants to complete the recruitment process.

What if I have got a criminal record, will it prevent me from applying?

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. If you have a conviction, a panel will be convened to consider the nature of the conviction, its relevance to the role of firefighter, the sentence, patterns of offending and the length of time since the offence. You will be informed if a panel is to be convened and will have the opportunity to provide additional information in a supporting statement. An assessment will then be carried out to identify the risks to the Service's business, customers, clients and employees. A decision will be made by the panel as to whether your application can proceed and this will take place at an early stage in the recruitment process.

Before an offer of employment is made a disclosure document from the Criminal Records Bureau may be obtained. If, at this stage, a conviction is highlighted that you have not declared your application will be withdrawn from the recuitment process.

If you have any concerns relating to this then you can contact our Recruitment Team and speak with someone in confidence.

How long will my training be and how long will it take to qualify?

Your training is split into phases.
1. Initial Training 13 weeks.
2. Probation Period 9 months.
From this you will study for a NVQ Level 3, which typically takes 2-3 years to achieve. Once you have completed the NVQ you are deemed qualified.  For more information please refer to section Firefighter Training and Development.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

No formal qualifications are required to join the West Midland Fire Service, but a written test has to be passed before proceeding with the physical assessments. Any qualifications you bring into the Fire Service may be relevant when working towards promotion.

Can I choose which station to work at?

Unfortunately no, whilst we will endeavour to place all new employees at a station that does not cause any inconvenience in relation to travel arrangements etc. We must also take into account where the Service has vacancies.

I have a beard for religious religions, will I have to shave this off in order to be a firefighter?

Unfortunately, yes. The fire service respects your religious needs however there are health and safety reasons why facial hair below the top lip cannot be accepted. As a firefighter you will be required to wear a facemask when you are wearing breathing apparatus. To ensure that the facemask forms a seal around the face, it is necessary to keep the face shaven to prevent any dangerous airborne chemicals entering the facemask. The fire service is working closely with the manufacturers of the equipment to look for new ways of overcoming the issues with facial hair, however an acceptable alternative that would meet health and safety requirements, has not yet been found.

I wear glasses/have had corrective eye surgery can I apply?

Yes, part of the Recruitment process will include all applicants having to provide an opticians report. The eyesight standards as provided to the optician are as follows:

• Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 binocularly, and a minimum of 6/12 in the worse eye. The minimum uncorrected vision for recruits should be 6/18 in the better eye and 6/24 in the worse eye
• An upper hypermetropic limit of +3.00. Ability to read N12 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants aged 25 and over)
• Ability to read N6 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants under 25 years of age)
• No history of night blindness or any ocular disease that is likely to progress and result in future failure of the visual standards for fire fighters.
• Colour vision.
• Isihara testing should be used and include all plates, not just the numbers. It must be performed under suitable lighting conditions ( Standard illuminant C).
• For those that fail the Ishihara plates the Farnsworth D15 test is indicated. The Nagel anomaloscope (and City University computer based MCV test) may also be required as they are the only techniques that can distinguish between protanomalous and deuteranomalous individuals.

The optician will also be asked whether you have undergone any significant surgery to either eye, including implants or radical keratotomy. Please note that laser eye treatment is considered on an individual basis.
The report will be forwarded to our Occupational Health team for a decision as to your suitability for the role of a firefighter.

I have a disability, can I still apply?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has now been amended and firefighters are no longer exempt from the Act. This means that anyone who considers themselves to have a disability can apply to join the fire service. A disability is defined by the Act as:
'Anyone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'
You will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process and to give details of the type of adjustments you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfill the role of a firefighter, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and if reasonable adjustments can be made to enable you to take part in the selection process and to fulfill the role of a firefighter then your application will proceed.

I am dyslexic, will I be able to cope with the written tests?

Dyslexia is considered to be a disability (see above) and you will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process. You should answer yes so that we can then make reasonable adjustments for you at the relevant stages of the selection process. We normally ask for a report to confirm the type and extent of your dyslexia and then use this information to determine the reasonable adjustment that can be made. For example, this may mean that you are given additional time in the written tests.

Can I have a second job?

The West Midlands Fire Service has a policy on secondary employment. Employees cannot engage in this without first obtaining written approval.

What do the different coloured watches mean?

The operational staff at each station is split into four shifts called watches, red, green, blue and white. The reason for the four watches is so we provide a continual service 24 hours a day.

Are you allowed to drink/smoke?

The service has a no alcohol and smoking policy in order for all of its premises.