A state effort to increase the number of women pursuing firefighting careers begins this weekend on the Big Island.
A state effort to increase the number of women pursuing firefighting careers begins this weekend on the Big Island.
The recruitment initiative is specific to the Department of Transportation’s airports division. There are just three female firefighters statewide employed in the division, DOT spokesman Timothy Sakahara said in an email.
Sakahara said the recruitment initiatives are a way for the state to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the department.
“We know women make strong candidates, and we encourage them to apply for firefighting careers,” he said.
Free workshops on each of the neighbor islands will familiarize potential applicants with the application process.
Sessions in Hilo and Kona take place today.
According to 2012 National Fire Protection Association data, the most recent year available, 3.4 percent of all firefighters nationwide were women.
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Hilo workshop
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Hawaii Community College
200 W. Kawili Street
Building 388, Room 103
Kona workshop
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Kona International Airport
Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Station