Australiasian Firefighter Exchange Fellowship
The International Firefighter Exchange Fellowship (IFEF) is a program for firefighters, creating opportunities for exchanges between Australia and overseas Fire Departments.
The program was initiated by the MFB, as a Centennial Program in 1992.
IFEF exchanges provides firefighters with opportunities to experience overseas fire departments in operation to travel, while retaining security of employment at home.
The benefits of Firefighter Exchange include:
- develop a higher level of professionalism
- experience the opportunity for temporary mobility
- share knowledge to improve efficiency and morale
- build international networks
- enable the transmission of knowledge across emergency services
How does the program operate?
Fellowships include the exchanging of jobs and of houses. The professional needs of fellows are taken care of by the matching of skills, experience and social and family environments.
Costs for travel, personal and health insurances, and living expenses are managed by Fellows and/or original employer.
Cost for induction training, workers compensation and uniforms are met by host fire services.
Who is eligible?
All exchange partners, irrespective of rank with the home fire service, will take the rank of firefighter for the duration of the exchange. No command and control or managerial duties will be required.
International Firefighter Fellows will be experienced and qualified firefighters, with a minimum of four years full time service.
How is the program administered?
The IFF program is administered by co-ordinators, designated by participating agencies. Coordinators pack is currently under review.
All firefighters applying for the program must have the support of their Fire Brigade as each person participating on exchange is effectively an ambassador for their Fire Service. Therefore, each applicant is required to undertake a selection process for suitability.
Before the beginning of the exchange period, applications are called for by Australian and New Zealand Fire Brigades through AFAC and all other Fire Departments participating in the program. All applications are considered by the employing authority, who conduct interviews to determine suitability to participate in the exchange.
Successful applications will be forwarded to AFAC in Melbourne who co-ordinates the matching process, and will make recommendations for consideration by exchanging Fire Services.
If you would like more information on the program telephone, fax or write to:
MFB Organisational Development Department
PO Box 151
East Melbourne Victoria 8002
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: + 61 (03) 9420 3957
Fax: + 61 (03) 9665 4443
email: firefighterexchange@mfb.vic.gov.au
Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC)
Level 5, 340 Albert Street
East Melbourne Victoria 3128
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +61 (03) 9419 2388
Fax: +61 (03) 9419 2389
email: afac@afac.com.au
The MFB Firefighter exchange application package is currently under review, however firefighters are welcome to contact the MFB’s Organisational Development Department for further updates/information.