We receive on average around 100 - 120 applications per year for retained firefighters. With resources and time we can train a maximum of 40 per year.

The first basic criterion that we look for before we process an application any further, is the distance that an applicant is located, either at work or home, from the nearest fire station. Retained firefighters need to be able to reach the station within five minutes.

Our selection process then considers our fire stations that are in need of retained firefighters to ensure cover at all times during the day and night. These are known as Priority Stations and applicants applying for these particular stations will be prioritised first. We then look at an individual's hours of availability to provide cover. We also look at an applicant's availability to attend all the pre-set dates of the training courses.

Priority Stations can however, change from month to month depending on existing employees and changes in their circumstances. If an applicant is unsuccessful with their application due to no vacancies we will keep them on file until the start of the next recruitment process.

	Stage 1 - Individual requests information pack and application form from Human Resources Section.
	Stage 2 - Application forms and questionnaires received in Human Resources Section.
	Stage 3 - District Officers process the application form and decide if applicant is suitable for interview.
	Stage 4 - Applicants are contacted in writing with reason for rejection or, if successful, to invite for selection tests.
	Stage 5 - Applicants attend Telford Central Fire Station for selection tests on an evening between 6.30pm and 9.00pm.
	Stage 6 - Successful candidates at tests (stage 5) are called back for a medical and eyesight test at our Occupational Health Unit at Tweedale fire station.
	Stage 7 - Applicants who pass the standard eyesight and medical tests are sent an offer of employment letter.
	Stage 8 - Applicant is supplied with a uniform and attends drill nights until the start of their training course.
	Stage 9 - Initial basic training course – 4 days at Telford Central fire station.
	Stage 10 - Support weekend – 2 days at Telford Central fire station.
	Stage 11 - Initial Breathing Apparatus course (2 weeks duration Mon – Sat / Mon - Fri) at Telford Central fire station.
	If recruit successfully passes Stage 11 they are deemed as competent to ride the appliance.
	Stage 12 - 1 day Trauma Care training / 1 day Road Traffic Collision training.