Vexed Bermoothes

The last recruitment drive by Bermuda Fire Service attracted 83 applicants — but just three passed the entrance tests and only two accepted the job.

Chief fire officer Vincent Hollinsid said of applicants:

“They are failing because of the academics, they are failing because of the medical exams, they are failing because of a number of other reasons — it’s mind boggling to me.

“There are people who have failed the drug test, people who have failed the psychological test to ensure you can handle the stress of the job and you are able to handle an organised, disciplined environment.”

The exam should be a grade 12 level test, equivalent to senior four (S4) in Bermuda’s public school system, and suitable for a 17-year-old high school graduate.

He said the majority of applicants were at a grade eight or middle three (M3) level i.e. that of a 13-year-old student.

OMG:  that is a utter condemnation of the local school system.