The Helsinki Rescue School has announced that it received a record number of applications for its firefighter training program, with 330 individuals submitting their applications by the deadline. This figure marks the highest number of applicants in the school's history, highlighting a growing interest in a career in the firefighting sector in Finland. The application process closed on Friday, and the school noted that the increase in applications is particularly significant given the multi-stage selection process that candidates must undergo.

Prospective students need to meet several eligibility requirements, including a prior medical examination and a fitness test. The application process consists of multiple stages, making it both competitive and rigorous. In the first phase, applicants are assessed for their physical fitness through Cooper tests, swimming tests, and tests for phobias. Each phase serves as a filtering step, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates progress through the selection process.

The second phase of the evaluation focuses on psychological suitability through individual and group tasks as well as psychological interviews. Additionally, a security clearance is required as part of the vetting process. Ultimately, from the pool of applicants, 36 students will be accepted into the program starting in August, reflecting the high standards and thorough vetting that characterize the Finnish approach to training future firefighters.