A TASTER day aimed at women considering whether a career in the fire service is the right choice for them was attended by 40 potential candidates.

The event, held at Rhyl Fire Station, was held to help women make informed decisions about a potential career as a firefighter.

The most recent full-time firefighter recruitment, for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, attracted only 12 per cent of applicants from women.

The service are keen to get the message out that there is no such thing as a "typical firefighter" and how diverse the role is.

Rhyl Journal:

Llinos Gutierrez-Jones, head of human resources, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The feedback from the 40 women attending on Saturday was great - they had a full insight into the role and the requirements and an opportunity to test their fitness and strength against the national firefighter standards.

Rhyl Journal:

“They also had the opportunity to talk to members of the recruitment team and female firefighters who do the job now, as well as looking around the fire station, appliances, equipment and being able to try on the kit.

“We want people to understand that there is no such thing as a typical firefighter," added Ms Gutierrez-Jones.

Rhyl Journal:

"The role of a modern day firefighter is challenging, rewarding and most of all varied - and for such a diverse role we need a diverse workforce which reflects the communities we serve.

"We want more women to join our team - during our last full-time firefighter recruitment only 12 per cent of applicants were women - whereas around 50 per cent our communities are women.

Rhyl Journal:

"The purpose of the Firefighter Taster Days is to ensure women make informed decisions about a potential career as a firefighter and to reduce the amount of women who may de-select themselves based on misconceptions, old stereotypes or myths.

Rhyl Journal:

"These Taster Days are not an opportunity to be fast-tracked or given an advantage over any other groups of people. All applicants for vacancies must go through the same recruitment process and must achieve the same level in any tests/assessments."

As a result of the response to the Taster Day, a second event has been scheduled for April 6 at Rhyl Community Fire Station. Places are limited. To book a place telephone 01745 535 250 or email hrdesk@nwales-fireservice.org.uk.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is preparing to open up a recruitment window for full-time firefighters. The fire service said they recruit on merit and ability.

Stuart Millington, senior operations manager, said: "Applications will be welcomed from all sectors of the community.”

Registration for online applications will open at noon on Monday, April 8 and close 48 hours later at noon on Wednesday, April 10.