Blog

The YesYOUCan blog is here to keep you up to date with all recruitment activity here at Avon Fire & Rescue Service. Get some great information about life in general at a busy Fire Service and how all roles at Avon Fire contribute to the safety of our communities.

Latest posts...

Greg and Watch

My Story: Gregory Streete

04 March 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

Before joining Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Gregory Streete was a basketball player for the Bristol Flyers, a coach and youth worker.

He has also represented GB in basketball at in various age groups including under 16, 18 and 20. …

Ruth Guy

Being a Mum and a Firefighter

13 February 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

By Ruth Guy

I joined the fire service in 2003 at the age of 23. My brother was a firefighter at the time & he loved it, so I decided to train hard & apply.

Values

Our cultural journey

06 February 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

By Zoe Baker-Powell

Having a positive working environment makes any organisation a happier and more productive place to work.  

Read about Firefighter A

Firefighter A

04 February 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

This is the story of Firefighter A. You can be Firefighter A.

Person A was born into a small family in local authority housing. Their upbringing was not an unusual upbringing but life wasn’t always easy, moving home several times in inner…

TRiM

Making a stand against mental health

24 January 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

Being a firefighter is a unique, varying and stimulating role, but it also comes with challenges. 

Crew Manager Rank Markings

Progression and Promotion

22 January 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

By Sarah Collins

Di Clack

AF&RS investing in me

17 January 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

By Di Clack

Throughout 15 Years’ service, seven as a Firefighter and eight as an operational Crew Manager, I have served at a number of stations including Southmead, Temple, Kingswood & Yate.

Firefighter

Wholetime FAQ

09 January 2020  Posted in: Wholetime

As wholetime recruitment launches once again, here are some of the top frequently asked questions AF&RS receives. 

I want to know how to apply to become a Firefighter

Sam Day

Family Life and Control

08 November 2019  Posted in: Control

By Sam Day

When joining Control I had only worked Monday to Friday, nine to five. I was young and very social, living for the weekend. It soon became apparent that I could no longer go out every weekend, and sometimes I felt I…

Map at Control

Memory test

30 October 2019  Posted in: Control

If you score sufficiently at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the assessment centre where you will be tested on a series of technical challenges.

Nathan White

How control works

22 October 2019  Posted in: Control

By Nathan White

Hannah Cockram and control staff

What to expect from Control training school

16 October 2019  Posted in: Control

By Hannah Cockram

The 12-week training school to become a Firefighter Control Operator is a busy and intense period but one that is enjoyable and rewarding.

faqs

FAQs for Reserve Firefighters

06 October 2019  Posted in: General

I am due to undertake selection tests. What are they, what do I need to bring and how can I prepare?

Selection tests are the very first event you will attend with us.

Louisa Roger lifting

Still going…

05 March 2019  Posted in: Wholetime

By Louisa Roger

By Steve Imrie, Area Manager, Duty Group Commander and Head of the Internal Improvement Team

Everyone always says that no two days are the same in the fire and rescue service – and that’s certainly true! 

Firefighters take part in a variety of different activities when responding to incidents or during training. Two basic but crucial skills include the ladder climb and crawling through a confined space.

On Tuesday 4 December, we will reach stage three of the application process where applicants will be required to complete the online ability tests. 

Heavy rescue

Modern Firefighting - Heavy Rescue and RTC

28 November 2018  Posted in: Wholetime

By Gareth Lloyd, Station Manager and UKRO Education Lead for Extrication

Under the 2004 Fire and Rescue Services Act, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has the legal duty to respond to Road Traffic Collisions and other…

Helen Rogers

My Story: Helen Rogers

22 November 2018  Posted in: Wholetime

Before joining Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Helen was a clinical hypnotherapist for 10 years but wanted a job where she could put her work and life experience to good use.

Horse rescue

Modern Firefighting – Animal Rescue

19 November 2018  Posted in: Wholetime

By Dave Matthews, Technical Services Watch Manager

As the role of a firefighter changes, so does the variety of incidents we respond to. Now, it is not just people that we will be called to help.