- Most diverse class in WA history graduates from DFES Training Academy
- Digital recruitment campaign aims to dispel myths surrounding a career in firefighting
- DFES is encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider a rewarding career in emergency management
A trainee firefighter school featuring a record number of women will graduate from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) academy today, challenging traditional stereotypes about a career in firefighting.
Fourteen women, one non-binary person, and 15 men make up the most diverse group of trainees to complete the intensive five-month course.
Fittingly, the new recruits from Trainee Firefighter School 89 will graduate as DFES launches its recruitment campaign for 2023, with a focus on encouraging people from all walks of life to apply.
The campaign’s tagline – The ideal firefighter might surprise you – aims to break down preconceived ideas regarding what it takes to have a successful career in emergency services.
Recruitment teams have visited schools, career expos, and community events to help break down traditional barriers to applying.
The new recruits from Trainee Firefighter School 89 will be posted to fire stations across the State next week, following a graduation ceremony in Forrestfield today.
The graduating class also includes a First Nations Australian, and several graduates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The successful cohort was chosen from more than 1,200 applicants.
Twelve of the graduates will be based in the country as part of the State Government’s commitment to bolstering firefighter numbers in regional Western Australia.
Two sisters are following in the footsteps of their father and brother in becoming career firefighters.
For more information on career firefighting visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Congratulations to the 30 graduate firefighters who made it through the gruelling 21-week course.
“Trainee Firefighter School 89 represents a significant step forward in our efforts to achieve greater diversity across WA’s emergency services.
“These graduates come from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their own unique story and skillset.
“To unearth the next group of talented graduates, DFES has developed a targeted advertising campaign, challenging the stereotypes of firefighting and raising awareness that the rewarding pathway is an occupation for everyone.”
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
“Recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive workplace are important steps in ensuring DFES reflects the community it serves.
“Implementing change – and challenging long-held stereotypes – isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re committed to change in this space.
“We have introduced a range of initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining applicants from diverse backgrounds. Those efforts are starting to show very positive signs.
“It is incredibly pleasing to see a record number of women make it through the highly selective recruitment process – and I hope this encourages all Western Australians to think about a career in firefighting.”
