Age of recruits & general recruitment questions (MFS)

[smc]

Hi to all! ive been lurking for some time & decided to jump into the frey - this is my first post - so go easy!

My first question is regarding age of new recruits. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of any new recruits being over 30 years of age?

I am 32 myself and while i feel i posses strong skills to bring to the role & being physically fit, im concerned that I'm "over the hill" in the eyes of the mfs. Of course mfs promote equal opportunity in regards to age, however can anyone provide actual evidence of any new recruits, say in the last few years, of being over 30?

apologies if this has been covered elsewhere.

thanks all who take the time to reply.

Mod changed title

[Zippy]

if ya meet the requirements of the intake cycle, your not too old ;)

[bittenyakka]

Hi and welcome

I don't have any knowledge about MFS ages but it's good to have a new member on board. personally i doubt it would matter.

[RescueHazmat]

Yes. Have personal knowledge of recruits over 30 in the last 3 years.

:)

[6739264]

Easy, I believe that there have been people pushing 45-50 getting into drill squads. 30? You're a spring chicken.

[smc]

Hazmat - thankyou, that IS a positive.



Another question to all:

with annual intakes - are they generally around a certain time of each year, so you are able to prepare and get in "top condition" for those 1 or two months when applications are lodged, medicals / physicals taken? etc or is it a pot luck / keep checking the website scenario?

[RescueHazmat]

No real 'set' guideline.. - Suggest you probably stay in relatively decent condition, in the wait for a Position Advertisement.


Those that were apart of the recent D/Squad may have some info on the next intake of fresh applicants..

[6739264]

SAMFS seem to have kept up with the late Feb/early March theme for a few years.

[OMGWTF]

I heard there was a 52yo in one of the latest intakes.

[josh]

there was a 37yo & 43yo in 2007

[smc]

these are all great responses guys. thanks & keep em coming. :-D

[rescue5271]

A number of fire service's/ brigades have for some time now been taking applications from those who want to be fulltime firefighters Tasfire would have to be one of the main services that the age group in their intakes is 30+ and the last intake they did a guy was 43yo.....

[smc]

well by the looks of things age doesnt seem to be an issue. thats fantastic news.

I have more questions on recruitment, hope you can help.


1) When applications are received by MFS for new positions, do only a shortlist of candidates then go onto the medical, physical interview etc. components? I would assume this would be the case, but I'm keen to get as much info as i can on the recruitment process.

2) Medical. I consider myself to be in pretty good physical condition, but i have broken 1 or 2 bones through sport in the past. While this hasn't limited any of my strength / flexibility etc. but i do have a concern about 1 of my injuries: I broke my kneecap about 12 years ago. It wasn't a complete break - a small piece came away and had to be pinned back into place. There was no ligament / cartilage damage and works fine.

I contacted the MFS regarding this and they advised that it would be up to the discretion of the doctor doing the medical.

Do any of you have real hand knowledge of recruits getting through with a medical history such as this? How thorough is the medical? & do you think an injury such as this would be a major obstacle?

thanks guys.

[RescueHazmat]

Guess its up to you what you decide to 'inform' on your medical form.. *cough* hint *cough*..

If you can do all their agility, strength and medical assessment testing without a hassle, why put doubt in their mind..


:)

[FullCircle]

Anyone have idea where you can get one of the certificates that demontsrate Word and Outlook competency which is necessary for the application during MFS recruitment? I've tried Tafe but they couldn't help...any advice would be much appreciated  :-)

[Zippy]

If youve done any Certificate 2 or 3 in IT, or studied IT in high school...i would hope to assume that is enough.

[lummox]

In reference to the microsoft word and outlook certificate

I got mine done at Westaff in the city, the MFS would not accept my school studies or MCSE - MCP which were current at the time that I applied, this was in 05 the first year they bought the computer basics prerequisite in, it may have changed since but I'd be getting the info straight from the horses mouth.

This is the email address taken off the MFS recruiting web page

enquiry@samfs.sa.gov.au
the subject title should be: Full-time Recruitment Enquiry

Or visit the website               http://www.mfs.sa.gov.au/site/join_us/fulltime_firefighters.jsp#MinimumEntryRequirements

Continue to the bottom of the page and there is section that says

Any queries can be referred to us by email.

Good luck to all those applying for the next intake, whenever it may be

[Fire_Rescue96]

I did a business and office Admin Cert 2 at school and that wasnt good enough a few years ago.

I got the last one done through McArthur Management Services in Adelaide. I think it cost around $50 for both tests ($25 each).

[wicky]

i did mine at trison business college morphett vale

[Monger]

i did mine at trison business college morphett vale

Most labour hire and recruitment companies can test you and issue certificate. I went to Westaff in the city $30 i think