12. Enter the service
Upon successful selection, the applicant will commence a training course:
Location: MFB Burnley Complex and other Firefighting Training Grounds located throughout Victoria.
Please note: applicants do not live on campus during the recruit course; however there will be overnight stays when training is being conducted off-site.
Duration: 15 weeks (approx)
Position: Probationary recruit firefighter
Hours: 08:00-16:00 hrs five days a week, an hour lunch break; one out of the 15 weeks will be as per the 10/14 shift system
As some training will be conducted off-site at other locations, there will be the requirement for some overnight stays. Details of which will be provided prior to the commencement of the recruit course.
Format: Classroom learning and practical sessions - to ensure recruits are familiar with MFB equipment and practices
Assessment: Theory and practical examinations. Recruits must attain required standards
Physical Fitness Assessment
During the recruit course applicants will be required to successfully complete the following fitness assessments:
- Achieve a level of 9.6 in a Physical Fitness (Shuttle Run) test
- Completion of a 2.4km run in 11 minutes
Upon successful completion of the training:
- A graduation ceremony is held
- Recruits advance to firefighter level 1
- The firefighter is assigned to duties at a fire station
- Allocation to particular zone platoons is strictly in line with current MFB crewing requirements
Operational driver classifications:
Firefighter recruits in their first 12 months of employment:
- Receive driver training and assessment
- Are not permitted to drive fire service vehicles under emergency response condition.
- Must only drive MFB vehicles under strict supervision of a qualified driving instructor or the officer in charge of that vehicle, while out inspecting or returning from calls.
- Firefighters are practically assessed by a qualified MFB driving instructor after 12 months.