I'm in marketing and honestly making decent money but completely unfulfilled. Been thinking about applying to the fire service for about two years now and I'm finally seriously considering it. My main worry is whether I'm fit enough and if I'll actually be able to handle the mental side of the job. Anyone made a similar jump from office work to firefighting?
Wondering if people are willing to share experiences on the FRNSW academy? Hoping to get through to this stage in the next few months and wanting to know more about it other than the 7-5 days.
I'm a few years in with my current service and I'm wondering if moving states would set me back or if experience transfers okay. Is it worth chasing better conditions elsewhere or does staying put make more sense for progression? Has anyone actually made the move and regretted it or found it worth it?
Hi, not sure what agency I’m going to apply to but I was thinking Vic. Anyway, I’ve heard it’s best to apply to a specific base, so my question is what base would be a good one for me to apply to!
I want a location that gets fire, it’s somewhat interesting with some restaurants or coffee shops, and somewhere where I’d have a chance to get in, so not super busy.
I was looking at Gippsand Devision, possibly.
I have 7 years of BCWS firefighting experience in Canada and I just got my work visa.
Thank you!
I’m applying to FFMV
So a major drawback for me is the pay cut I would be facing, however its well worth it to get into the firies and later qualified, as well as the many other rewarding benefits of the role.
I recently spoke to someone who was under the impression that you can modify your own shift timetable (skeptic), so that you can compartmentalise your timetable to a specific part of the week eg all 42 hours in one go across two days. If true this would allow me to work two jobs where I can maintain my current income and also be a firie which is my goal.
Also appreciate any and all other info you have to offer. Cheers lads
Currently employed in Canada on a Helitak team. So lots of experience with rotary wing machines but not on actual repelling. I’m hoping to come over and work the season and saw I meet the rap teams requirements. That being said I’m not crazy experienced fire fighter with years of rappelling experience. Just wondering if it’s worth applying to. Or so competitive that it’s a waste of an application. Any and all info is appreciated. Yall stay safe out there.
Will this increase chances of getting recruited? I assume yes but keen to hear if selected candidates have this in common or not?
If no, would you recommend any other activities that might give you and edge in selection?
Looking for a career change at 40, I’m in great shape and have volunteered at least 10 hours a week for the last few years with sports and schools.
yoyoyo anyone else in the recruitment class 19th august??!?!?!?! got my call today. hell ye boys. lets get it <3
Hi guys,
I didn’t make it past the aptitude test for NSW this year. I tried to take my time to answer questions properly rather than get through as many as I could (which is advice I got from other firefighters). I really want to improve and do better in 2026 but am struggling to find consistent practice tests with results online. If anyone has any recs id be super grateful!! Thanks
I’ll be going through my FRNSW Medical in the next few weeks and don’t have anything to worry about, except being diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago.
I got given medication (dex and vyvanse) as an option as I was working in an office environment at the time and working super long hours. As of my last appointment a year ago I decided that meds weren’t doing anything for me and self managing with exercise and just getting used to how my brain works was the best route. I know a lot of people in FRNSW have ADHD but I do know that medication has been known to get people kicked out at this very last stage.
Being un-medicated, will I have any other issues? I’ve got a call with my psychiatrist tomorrow morning so I can get a letter from him explaining that I’m not taking medication anymore, however just wondering if I have anything to worry about or anything I need to specify on that letter regarding my functioning and that it won’t impact me.
Cheers
Hi all,
I was fortunate enough to pass the assessment centre on the 15/06, I emailed FRNSW about a week later notifying them that I am available to progress to the next stages and start the academy at the soonest convenience.
Just wondering what the usual wait times others have had at this part of the process?
Our brigade is pushing it after critical incidents but some of the older crew won't touch it. Wondering if anyone's actually found it helpful or if it's just a box ticking exercise
For those that have made it to the interview ,then not progressed . What was it that you think you fell short on .
I’m having trouble knowing how prepared and confident to feel.
Have been doing a lot of practice questions around - diversity - safety - teamwork as well as just general info on the force .
Any help is greatly appreciated
I am looking for some honest feedback on moving from active firefighting into a community risk and education stream. I still want to contribute to the service but my interests are shifting more towards preventing incidents before they happen. Is the job satisfaction still there when you are not actively turning out to shouts anymore?
