Hitchin Firefighter Gets a Starring Role in Careers TV
| Published: 6th August 2008 18:51 |
Hitchin firefighter Rachael Broom (right) will be hitting your television screens from today, as she talks about the benefits of her chosen career.
Rachael Broom, Crew Commander at Hitchin station, has been filmed for web based television channel, Careers TV, in a programme which focuses on jobs where women are under represented. Watch Commander in the Community Fire Safety Task Force, Stella James, has also been filmed for the programme.
The show, presented by Gail Porter, went live on information.tv today, August 6, and as well as the fire service, looks at other careers for women including the construction industry, law and engineering.
Traditionally, the fire service has been seen as male dominated, and while there are still few women, it is increasingly becoming a career choice for more and more women.
County Councillor Richard Smith, Executive Member for Community Safety said: "Hertfordshire is a diverse community and we want a workforce to try to reflect that. Rachael and Stella are great role models for other women who may be considering a career in the fire service. I hope this programme will make people realise that there's a place for everyone in our organisation, and gender certainly isn't a barrier."
Stella James said: "I was really pleased to be asked to take part in the programme for Careers TV. There are many women who just wouldn't consider a career with the fire service, and I'm hoping that this programme will make them rethink that.
"The Fire Service offers a lot of benefits to women; because of the shift system I get to take my children to school and pick them up most days. There aren't many full time jobs that allow you to do that."
Rachael Broom said: "I know there are a lot of people who just don't see women as firefighters but I've done a few different jobs and this is the most varied, exciting and enjoyable one I've had - it's more than a job, it's a career.
"Yes you do have to be fit, and it's not an easy job, but then what job is? Once I've got the uniform on I'm just one of the team. We don't really distinguish between men and women, we're firefighters and we've all got a job to do and we just get on with it."
Firefighters don't just fight fires. They do a lot of work in the community providing fire safety advice to prevent fires occurring in the first place. There are also opportunities to further your education from National Vocational Qualifications NVQs) postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications.
If you're interested in a career with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service please visit 'jobs with fire and rescue' on the Herts County Council website.
The programme can be seen from today (Wednesday August 6) on Information TV (Sky digital channels 167 & 168). The programme can also be viewed as simulcast at www.information.tv and is available on www.careerstv.eu
Community Comment:
Add your comment:
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
