HAVE you always dreamed of being a firefighter?

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is looking for the next generation of firefighters for its 2018 training course.

Applicants from all sectors of the community are welcome to apply and those who are successful following the initial round of recruitment will be asked to complete tests to assess their numeracy and literacy skills.

They will also undertake a physical assessment involving a ladder climb, bleep test, dummy haul, step test and an assembly test involving firefighter equipment.

Applicants will be required to crawl a short distance wearing firefighter breathing apparatus, take part in a mock casualty evacuation, carry various items of firefighting equipment and complete a 50-metre swimming test.

After being put through their paces, candidates will then be invited to a formal interview with senior officers.

Once picked for the job, the future firefighters will take part in a 17-week training course at the Training and Development Academy in Croxteth where they will train in all aspects of firefighting and emergency response techniques.

Recruit firefighters will begin their career on a salary of £22,237 which will rise to £23,162 on completion of training when they will pass out as firefighters-in-development.

Following the course, the firefighters-in-development will take part in regular competency assessments which, if passed successfully, will take their salary to £29,638 approximately 18 months after completion of their recruit course.

Deputy chief fire officer Phil Garrigan said: “We are delighted to be opening our application process for the next generation of Merseyside firefighters.

“Applications are open to anyone regardless of age, gender, race or sexuality.

"There is no upper age limit and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

”We are passionate about our firefighter family representing the communities we serve and we want to hear from anyone who may be interested in the role, regardless of their background.

“A career as a firefighter gives you a chance to help people in many ways, apart from just tackling fires.

"Our firefighters are constantly engaging with communities across Merseyside, carrying out fire safety checks and promoting fire safety.

“They also rescue people from water, attend road traffic collisions, rescue people from height and respond to major emergencies such as floods, chemical leaks, train derailments, collapsed buildings and terrorist attacks.

“Our crews work closely with partner agencies including police, health services and local authorities to keep our communities safe and the new recruits can expect an exciting and varied career full of challenges and rewards.

“This is an excellent time to be joining Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service as we forge ahead with our commitment to build safer, stronger communities in Merseyside.

"We have a long and proud history and we look forward to our new recruits being part of our future.”

Applicants must be 17-and-a-half years old at the time of application.

There is no upper age limit or height restriction.

Recruits can expect to work 42 hours-per-week (48 hours over eight days).

All applicants must have a driving licence at the time of application and be living in Merseyside by the time the recruit course begins.

GCSE English and Maths are required at grade C or above.

For more information and to apply visit www.merseyfire.gov.uk

Applications close at midnight on September 12.