Record-number of women join WA's Trainee Firefighter School

A record number of women, and one non-binary individual, were welcomed on Monday at the Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Trainee Firefighter School, as part of the government's diversification efforts in the firefighting workforce.

Out of 30 new trainees joining the Firefighter School 89, 14 of them are women and one identifies as non-binary, according to the government, adding that one of them is an Indigenous Australian.

The government said the diverse group of trainees is the "fruit" of its recruitment initiatives aimed at improving diversity outcomes for the workforce. These include tailor-made information and equipment sessions, which help female applicants familiarise themselves with the testing requirements of the recruitment process.

Recruitment teams have also visited schools, career expos, and community events as part of the efforts, while the DFES also developed targeted advertising campaigns to challenge the stereotypes of firefighting.

"A diverse workforce is a stronger workforce and the success of the DFES recruitment drive demonstrates to all employers that significant change is possible," said Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk in a statement.

"These trainee firefighters are showing what can be achieved when women are supported to chase their dreams."

Darren Klemm, Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, said in a statement that he is "incredibly pleased" to see the diversity in the latest recruitment drive.

"Building diversity in the workplace is a key priority of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and we are committed to doing so through improving the way we attract, recruit, retain and value our talented people," said Klemm. "It is crucial we represent the community we serve."

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Aside from gender, the new trainees' fields of expertise are also diverse, with the trainees including an aircraft maintenance engineer, police officer, occupational therapist, paramedic, prison officer, Defence Force personnel, teacher, truck driver, midwife, physiotherapist, a personal coach, as well as from the building and construction industry.

According to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson, the latest school of trainees is a testimony to diversity, which he said is a priority for the McGowan government.

"People from different backgrounds bring new viewpoints and skills to firefighting which will enable the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to better protect our State," said Dawson in a statement.

The trainees will now undergo training including structural, bush, and marine firefighting techniques, as well as road crash rescue, emergency driving instruction, hazardous materials response, and community safety.

"Congratulations to all the successful applicants who have made it this far and good luck for the next five months of training," said Dawson.