Firefighting Workshops
Learn what it takes to be a firefighter with the Surrey Fire Service.
Increasing diversity makes better firefighting teams. It enhances the quality of service by reflecting the needs and expectations of the communities served, fosters innovation by bringing together diverse skills, experiences and ideas, and promotes a positive image of the fire service demonstrating its commitment to equality, fairness and respect. To support this, Surrey Fire is offering workshops accessible for everyone regardless of their background or identity.
Workshop details
Our workshops provide information, guidance, and support for people who are interested in joining or advancing in the fire service.
We offer three types of workshops designed to meet the varying levels of fire experience ranging from awareness to skill enhancement.
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older to participate.
No previous experience in firefighting or participation in any of the workshops is required.
Level 1 - Information Session/Practical Experience
This one-day workshop will provide an overview of the opportunities and culture of a fire service career.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
- A review of the various recruitment process steps
- An opportunity to practice the skills required of a firefighter like:
- fire suppression
- self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) donning
- auto extrication
- fire suppression techniques
- You will meet experienced firefighters from the Surrey Fire Service
- This workshop requires strenuous effort and physical activity
What to bring
- Wear steel-toed footwear, if possible. Otherwise, it will be supplied in various sizes that may not fit you best
- Water, snacks and your own lunch
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
Level 2 - Physical Test Practice
This half-day workshop will provide participants with an overview of the requirements needed to be successful during the physical testing stage of the hiring process.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
Working in groups, you can try out each stage of the physical test to assess your strength and endurance. This will allow you to see if you are physically ready to pass this stage of the hiring process or if you need further conditioning to be successful.
- This workshop will be facilitated by Surrey Fire Service peer fitness trainers who can provide you with improvement tips.
- Further resources regarding our physical testing can be found under firefighter recruitment.
What to bring
- Water and snacks
- Athletic shoes (e.g. runners)
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
Level 3 - Skills Practice
This 2-hour workshop provides those interested in a career in the fire service an opportunity to practice their skills to be better prepared for a hiring process.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
- The skills practiced will be decided leading up to the workshop date according to the availability of the training grounds.
- A Surrey Fire Service Training Officer will lead these sessions and provide participants with the appropriate level of training and advice to execute the drills targeted in each workshop.
Examples of skills that may be practiced:
Hydrant catching, hose lays, ropes and knots, suppression strategies, engine familiarization, search procedures, auto extrication, small tool handling, ventilation tactics.
What to bring
- Water and snacks
- Athletic shoes (e.g. runners)
- We also recommend bringing steel-toed footwear
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
Registration
Workshops may fill up quickly. Please cancel any bookings that you cannot attend so others may join.
Women in firefighting workshops
To view all women's workshop levels and dates offered, you must sign up on our MyImpact website.
- Access a calendar displaying available opportunities
- Read full descriptions of each workshop
- Learn about what you need to bring with you
- Learn how to submit payments and waivers
2024 DATES AVAILABLE
- Level 1: April 6, September 28
- Level 2: April 13, October 26
- Level 3: January 18, February 8 & 22, March 7 & 21, May 9 & 23, June 6 & 20, September 12, October 10, November 7 & 21 and December 12.
2025 DATES AVAILABLE
- Level 1 – 8 hour Information Sessions/Practical Experience: April 5; October 18
- Level 2 – 3 ½ hour Physical Test Practice: June 7 (2 timeslots); November 1 (2 timeslots)
- Level 3 – 2 hour Skills Practice: January 16, 30; February 13, 27; March 13, 27; April 24; May 15; June 19; September 18; October 2; November 13, 27; December 11
Open firefighting workshops
- Open workshops are available to anyone 18 or older with a signed waiver provided upon booking.
- Carefully review the various levels of workshops available at the top of this page.
2024 DATES AVAILABLE
- Level 1: May 4 and June 29
- Level 2: May 11
- Level 3: October 12 and November 30
2025 DATES AVAILABLE
Note: Space is limited and registration will only be accepted two weeks prior to the workshop date. Please ensure you set your reminders to register accordingly.
- Level 1 – 8 hour Information Sessions/Practical Experience: February 15, April 12, October 25, December 6
- Level 2 –3 ½ hour Physical Test Practice: June 21 (2 timeslots), November 15 (2 timeslots)
- Level 3 – 2 hour Skills Practice: March 8 (3 timeslots), May 31 (3 timeslots), September 13 (3 timeslots)
Forms to be completed
Feedback
If at the time of registration you are unable to book a session, please complete our short survey to assist us in future workshop planning.