Candidate Briefing Pack:Cardiff Airport Firefighter

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Contents

1. A guide to becoming a fi refi ghter

2. Selection process:

3. Section 1 Application pack

4. Section 2 Physical tests

5. Section 3 Written test

6. Section 4 The interview

7. Section 5 The medical

8. The decision

9. Further reading

10. The National Firefi ghter selection - personal qualities and attributes

A guide to becoming an Airport Firefighter

The principal objective of an airport fire fighter is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident or incident. Having said that the role of the Airport Fire Service has changed considerably in the last few years, and our role within the Airport has had to change to refl ect the new demands made on us.

The Airport Firefi ghter is not an individual who is focused on the traditionally perceived role of attending emergency incidents and the physical requirements to achieve that. The Firefi ghter is now required to be even more adaptable than previously. Yes, the new-look Firefi ghter still fulfi ls the traditional role of dealing with Aircraft related emergencies and a variety of Special Service Calls, But, the new-look Firefi ghter must able to switch from this reactive role to a more proactive role, which involves contributing to the Airports organisational Aims, goals and objectives.

While you might start as a Firefi ghter, there are plenty of opportunities for career development if you want it and how quickly you progress will depend upon you.

Selection processStage one: Application pack

The Application Pack contains the following:

• Detailed information and guidance on the selection process. This will advise you about the stagesof the selection process in order for you to prepare.

• Section 1: Pre-Application Checklist. This is an opportunity for you to assess if you are suited tothe role of a fi refi ghter and that you are eligible to apply.

• Section 2: This is used for personal and monitoring information and will not be seen by any offi cerwho is part of the decision process.

• Section 3: Personal Qualities and Attributes Questionnaire this will form part of the interviewprocess if the candidates progress that far and is designed to assess your attitudes and motivationbased on personal qualities and attributes required of a fi refi ghter such as:

The application form must be fully completed in your own handwriting, scanned into either PDF or JPEG format and returned by email to the following email address with the subject line stating Airport Firefighter Recruitment. Please keep the original for your reference.

Email to: HR@cwl.aero

Curriculum Vitae (CVs) are not accepted. If a CV is received from you, it will not be considered during the selection process.

Many candidates fail the application stage because they do not read or follow the instructions. The instructions are there to advise you on what we are looking for from our candidates so please read them carefully.

• Working with others

• Commitment to diversity and integrity

• Confi dence and resilience

• Commitment to excellence

• Commitment to development

• Situational awareness

• Openness to change

Once applications have been returned and a vacancy or vacancies exist a number of successful applicants will be invited back to undertake a series of selection tests this will include:

Stage two: Firefighter Fitness Tests

These tests are designed to test fitness and the ability to understand and apply information. They are related to the actual tasks a firefighter will have to do once appointed. A firefighter needs to be physically fit and these tests are in line with the National Firefighter Selection tests (NFST)

It is important that you wear appropriate clothing in order to carry out the fitness and workplace tests; these being, t-shirt, shorts, jogging trousers and training shoes. Do not wear any jewelry or bring any valuables with you. Also please bring with you a packed lunch and bottle of water. It is advised from the health screening perspective that you do not drink alcohol the night before or drink large amounts of caffeine within 24 hours of the selection day - this includes caffeine based drinks (such as coffee or energy boosting drinks) as this can cause problems with blood pressure results and can eliminate you from taking part in the fitness test. You will be allocated a date and time for testing.

The tests are timed and failure to reach the required time will result in the candidate not progressing any further in the recruitment process.

The Tests consist of the following:

• A ladder climb - This test involves climbing a 10.5 metre ladder and carrying out a selected task within a time limit. This test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line

• Enclosed space - This involves negotiating through a measured crawlway wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask within a set time. Half the route will be with clear vision, the other half with obscured vision. You will also be required to perform tasks during the test.

• Fitness Test – This is a test of a Firefighters aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina. Candidates will be required to:

• Jog 100M• Drag a charged 45mm hose for 25M, then drag back to start point.• Pick up and carry 2 coiled 70mm hoses for 100M.• Carry 1 coiled 70mm hose at chest height for 50M, and then jog back 50M• Drag a simulated casualty manikin for 50M (weighing approximately 30kgs).• Jog 100M

All tests will be demonstrated to candidates to confirm understanding of the requirements and to note any hazards.

Stage three: Written tests

This stage requires the candidate to complete a series of written tests. Candidates will be required to pass all of the following tests:

1. Working with numbers

2. Understanding information

3. Situational awareness and problem solving

Candidates with disabilities such as dyslexia must make themselves known to the assessment team. This should also be noted on your application form so that arrangements can be made for you. You can bring in any colour overlays etc with you.

1. Working with numbers testassesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information, based on informationa fi refi ghter is likely to need to work with. It will include addition, subtraction, multiplication anddivision, along with estimations of numerical data.

2. The understanding information testassesses your ability to read and understand written or visual information of the type a fi refi ghter islikely to need to deal with. You will be asked to extract relevant information from a variety of writtenor visual scenerios.

3. Situational awareness and problem solvingassesses your ability to ensure your own safety and the safety of others, and your ability to useinformation to solve problems. Each question describes a situation and gives several possibleways to respond.

Stage four: The interview

Should you be successful through the first 3 stages you will be required to attend an interview. This will last for approximately one hour and will consist of questions designed to demonstrate ways in which you meet the relevant Fire Service Personal Qualities and Attributes (see attached PQAs). This will be done by the interview panel who will review section 3 of the application form previously submitted. You will also be asked a few questions on your knowledge and understanding of the role of Airport Firefighter

Stage fi ve: The medical

If you are offered a Firefighter post will be required to undergo a full medical examination by the Airport Occupational Health Provider. The purpose of the medical is to assess your general level of health and wellbeing to ensure you are fit to take on the role of a firefighter. This will include:

• Hearing test

• Eyesight test including colour blindness

• Blood Pressure

• Urine sample

• Weight

• Fitness

• All candidates will be screened for drugs

• Muscular-skeletal Assessment

The decision

On successful offer of an appointment references will be taken and you will be required to undergo a basic Criminal Disclosure Check. These must be successfully completed in order to take up your post.

Work Permit (Asylum and Immigration Act 1996)

Cardiff Airport is required by law to ensure that any persons it employs has the right or permission to reside or work in the United Kingdom. Any person to be offered employment will be required to produce relevant original documentation when requested.

In order to give you the best chance of success please keep physically fi t and follow the guidance provided on this information page and further information detailed on the Cardiff Internatioal Airport website.

Good luck.

Ray ImperatoFire Service ManagerCardiff International Airport

Further readingFor further reading and to assist with completing the application form please click

on the links below

Fi re -service -recruitment -tips

National-fi refi ghter-selection-process

Chief Fire Officers Association website Fitness Standards

The National Firefi ghter SelectionPersonal Qualities and Attributes (PQAs)

Commitment to Diversity and Integrity - understands and respects diversity and adopts a fair and ethical approach in all situations

• Is concerned to treat people fairly and ethically (e.g. completes work according to same highstandards regardless of individual differences)

• Recognises the importance of an awareness of the community and understands its needs (e.g. isaware and respectful of differing cultures and backgrounds)

• Recognises and has respect for others’ backgrounds, views, values and beliefs (including religiousbeliefs)

• Maintains an open approach with others, taking account of, and accepting, individual differencessuch as age, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, social background, disability, sexual orientation andphysical appearance

• Is committed to the Fire and Rescue Service values and actively promotes them (e.g. challengesinappropriate behaviour)

• Is honest when working with others and accepts accountability for own actions (e.g. takesresponsibility for own mistakes; respects the need for confi dentiality; is trusted to enter others’homes).

• Proactively challenges unacceptable behaviour inconsistent with Fire & Rescue Service values,stating own and organisation’s position clearly (e.g. when over-hearing a colleague useinappropriate language)

Openness to Change – is open to change and actively seeks to support it

• Demonstrates an understanding of the need for change within the Fire and Rescue Service (e.g.explains the reasons for new working practices to colleagues absent from briefi ngs)

• Aware of the impact of changes to the Fire and Rescue Service on their role (e.g. understandschanges to working practices)

• Accepts change both within the Fire and Rescue Service and in their own role (e.g. willinglyparticipates in community fi re safety activities)

• Identifi es ways, both within the Fire and Rescue Service and the local community, of supportingchange and takes action where possible (e.g. volunteers to learn new tasks or ways of working)

Confi dence and Resilience - maintains a confi dent and resilient attitude in highly challenging situations

• Remains in control of own emotions during emergency situations (e.g. does not panicand considers risk)

• Concentrates on the task despite pressure (e.g. pressure of time, noise,confl icting information and tasks, and concern for casualties)

• Challenges or questions others constructively to achieve more effectiveoutcomes

• Retains confi dence in own ability or convictions despite setbacks (e.g. after a community fi re safetytalk is received poorly)

Working with Others - works effectively with others both within the Fire and Rescue Service and in the community

• Works effectively with all team-members according to defi ned role (e.g. in teams of 2 and up toteams of 20), adjusting his/her role in accordance with instructions and changing circumstances

• Proactively generates positive working relationships both internally (e.g. attempts to get to knoweveryone in working environment) and externally (e.g. liaises with community groups to promote fi resafety; works well with other emergency services)

• Concerned about the wider team and is aware of shared objectives, as well as those of his/herimmediate work-team (e.g. willing to give community fi re safety talks at schools)

• Is sensitive to the feelings and well-being of others and takes action to support them (e.g. able toreassure and calm members of the public in emergency situations; reminds colleague to check airwhen using breathing apparatus)

• Is able to present an approachable and positive image of self and the Fire and Rescue Service toeverybody in the community, irrespective of individual differences (e.g. age, ethnicity, gender)

Effective Communication– communicates effectively both orally and in writing

• Communicates verbal messages clearly, concisely and at a level appropriate to the audience sothat message is understood regardless of individual differences

• Is sensitive to the needs of the audience and tailors communication in response to feedback(e.g. able to convey the importance of fi re safety without distressing members of the publicunnecessarily)

• Demonstrates that they are listening to others to convey interest (e.g. by nodding and using otherappropriate body language, or by asking questions) and maintains awareness for messages

• Checks understanding to ensure all messages received and sent are understood correctly

• Is comfortable communicating with both small (e.g. 2 people) and large groups (e.g. up to 30people)

• Presents messages (e.g. fi re safety information) in a way that promotes understanding (e.g. usesslides, videos and other visual aids appropriately during presentations and fi re safety visits; engageswith the audience)

• Able to write clear, basic and appropriate information or messages that are understood by therecipient (e.g. to complete standard Fire and Rescue Service forms and to use the BA operationentry board)

Commitment to Development - committed to and able to develop self and others

• Proactively reviews own performance using a variety of sources including seekingfeedback from others

• Identifi es development needs in own knowledge, skills and understandingand takes action to improve (e.g. seeks to identify and learn new methodsfrom colleagues; recognises that own fi tness levels need to be improved)

• Learns from a wide range of situations experienced by self or others (e.g. increases understandingabout a community group following a safety discussion)

• Able to learn a large amount of job relevant information, delivered both verbally and in writing, aspart of initial training course and other development (e.g. operating procedures and standards)

• Actively encourages and supports others to improve their profi ciency (e.g. updates colleaguesconcerning new information; shares own experiences)

Problem Solving - understands, recalls, applies and adapts relevant information in an organised, safe and systematic way

• Able to recall and apply correct, relevant job related information and procedures during incidents(e.g. training procedures for ladder erection)

• Able to adapt and apply standard or existing procedures and practices and personal skills to takeaccount of a changing environment and to minimise risk

• Generates more than one solution to a problem and evaluates which one is best (e.g. in decidinghow best to promote community fi re safety)

• Considers immediate and wider objectives and implications (e.g. health and safety) to plan aheadto complete tasks in most effi cient and safe way

• Prioritises, plans and completes tasks in a logical and systematic manner despite confl ictinginformation (e.g. able to manage own actions during emergency situations)

• Able to interpret basic numerical information (e.g. in dials, tables, charts) and use basic arithmeticalcalculations correctly (i.e. addition, subtraction, division and multiplication) to apply task procedures(e.g. able to work out operation times when using BA equipment)

Situational Awareness - maintains an active awareness of the environment to promote safe and effective working

• Constantly checks the environment and takes action to ensure safe working (e.g. looks for threatsto safety of self and others)

• Has awareness of a range of safety related information without becoming unduly focused on anyone piece of information

• Provides timely information to confi rm progress and outcomes against objectives (e.g. keeps teaminformed at incidents of changing circumstances)]

• Able to judge space and distance within three dimensions and time to perform tasks safely andeffectively (e.g. able to judge space and distance to erect ladders)

Commitment to Excellence - Adopts a conscientious and proactive approach to work to achieve and maintain excellent standards

• Continually looks to improve standards of working and offers suggestionsas necessary (e.g. provides feedback concerning new or existing work practices toinfl uence change or improve service delivery)

• Approaches work proactively and effi ciently both with routine tasks andduring incidents

• Adopts a conscientious approach to work (e.g. checks work to ensure all tasks completedcorrectly and with due attention to detail; maintains levels of personal fi tness)

• Completes work according to correct procedures (e.g. refrains from taking unsafe short-cuts)

• Completes work as instructed without being checked constantly

• Is clear about the role of the Fire fi ghter and operates within agreed levels of authority, within adisciplined environment (e.g. does not take action outside own level of control without seekingconfi rmation)

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