IF you've ever wanted to become a firefighter, then you could be in luck as Teesside Airport has launched its recruitment for ten new starters.
With previous experience or qualifications not a requirement, the airport is building up its firefighting team as more flights make a return.
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Paying up to £29,500, those successful will be responsible for responding to emergencies, medical response and first aid.
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They will also be in charge of maintaining the readiness of equipment, fire risk assessments and audits as well as vehicle and equipment testing.
According to airport bosses, an increased number of firefighters is needed to ensure the airport is ready for the larger types of aircraft expected later this year.
It comes as The Northern Echo spent the day with the crew last year as a team of around 20 staff were responsible for the whole site.
Read more: Behind the scenes with the firefighting crew at Teesside Airport
It is understood when the roles are filled, the recruits will mean the number of firefighters now at the airport will stand at 28 over three watches.
Explaining that previous experience or qualification is an advantage but not required, bosses said new recruits will undertake a training course.
The team will be headed by Dave Rowland, the Fire Service Manager who has worked at the site for 28 years.
What it's like to be an airport firefighter?
Last year, the firefighting team welcomed Amy Caldwell after a recruitment drive in March 2021.
At the time, she described the role as "challenging," but said she could not wait to take on the daily tasks.
She said: “I’m really excited to be joining the airport crew and the team has been incredibly welcoming.
"Working on just one site, albeit a big one, is a bit of a change to working in the community, but it’s a new challenge that I can’t wait to take on.
“There are so many big things happening at Teesside International now, and it has a great future ahead of it, so I can’t think of a better time to be part of the action."
'Essential to increase the number of highly trained firefighters'
As the jobs went live, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The firefighters that make up the Fire & Rescue Service at our airport are true heroes, not only are they able to respond to emergencies on the airfield within just a couple of minutes, but they also play a critical role in keeping the entire airport site safe and secure.
"So, as we expand the number of flights to more destinations, and welcome larger aircrafts, it is essential we increase the number of highly trained firefighters as we welcome even more local people through our terminal building.
“I have long made it clear that our airport is much more than flights to Alicante, as popular and vital as they are. It’s about using our airport smarter, to create jobs, support our local businesses and attract even more to the region.
“Just two weeks ago, we saw 12 new jobs created at our airport as we threw open the doors to our new duty-free store, and we’ll be saying hello to more in the coming months as the Bannatyne Spa starts to welcome its customers.
“As Dave Rowland’s years of experience shows, these roles can lead to good-quality, well-paid careers for life and I’d encourage anyone from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool who thinks they have what it takes, to check out the adverts and apply.”
Here's how you can apply
The jobs have now gone live with a deadline to apply on January 20, 2021, with salaries ranging from around £22,000 to £29,500.
The job description reads: "Teesside International Airport is a regional airport seeking to develop global connectivity, along with domestic and European business routes and leisure opportunities. The Airport is also focused on developing broader aviation related activities.
"We are currently looking for up to 10 energetic, self-motivated and proactive individuals to join our Fire & Rescue Service. The role of firefighter is essential to our airport’s operation, ensuring compliance and business continuity around the clock.
"This role is 42 hours per week contracted to 9 hours per shift on a rota covering the operational hours of 5.30am to 11.25pm."
To apply click here
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