Firefighting !
#1
Firefighting !
Hi,
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Rangiora
Posts: 37
Re: Firefighting !
Originally Posted by Fireman Al
Hi,
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I guess you mean wholetime? I was retained in Oxfordshire for many years before coming out 6 months ago. I have thought about joining the local volunteer brigade but to be honest, I'm enjoying not being tied to the alerter and being able to go out whenever I want. I'm not sure how my wife would take it if I wanted to do it again.
I loved it though and found it an awesome way to integrate into the community. Gets in the blood doesn't it?
cheers
Bob
#3
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22
Re: Firefighting !
Originally Posted by Fireman Al
Hi,
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I am one of the prison officers who has transfered over. I know the police are also recruiting but I am pretty sure they do not have any problems recruiting firefighters over here. 80% of Firefighters here are Volunteers, I have just joined myself at Kaiapoi near Christchurch as I thought it would be a good way to get involved in the local community and to meet people. Maybe that could be an option, I know it is unpaid but you could keep your hand and in apply from there. Hope it all works out for you.
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2001
Location: North Shore AKL
Posts: 72
Re: Firefighting !
Originally Posted by Fireman Al
Hi,
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
I was just wondering whether any other expats who were firefighters in the UK have successfully applied and continued firefighting in NZ ?
Any tips or ideas greatfully recieved.
Ali
Think we have spoken before. I have been in NZ Fire Brigade for 4 years.
There apparently is a UK fireman doing a rookies course now, crazy I know but here you have to start all over again. If you apply when you get here it would make sense for them to take you on.
I think you will be disappointed coming from a UK brigade to us, especially with the antiquated equipment you will have to work with. For example there are fire appliances 21 years old and they look it(the average age is 10 years old).
After years of industrial action the vehicle fleet is on its knees.
As for the wages you will be on 33000 dollars a year for the first 3 years which is a killer. When you pass your QFF it goes up to 45000 and I think 47000 when you get to senior FF. They have had a huge recruitment drive here and the overtime is becoming rare, which is a real bummer as that bumped your wages to a respectable NZ wage.
The people are all a great bunch of guys and girls same as anywhere else, the camaraderie is good. If you get in to Auckland brigade the chances of getting out and moving somewhere else are pretty non existent.
Anyway pm me if you want any info