Why does the SES wear orange?
Orange is the international colour for rescue services. It is easy to recognise in most emergencies, i.e. in building collapse, in bushland, in forest and in the desert.

Is working for the SES dangerous?
The SES trains to perform many different duties, involving many skills. There may be times when dangerous situations are involved however through thorough training, using the right equipment, and the right processes the danger is eliminated.

How much does it cost to join the SES?
Joining the SES costs you only your time.
Life membership, should you choose to stay that long, costs nothing!

How old do I have to be to join the SES?
Anyone over the age of 16 can join the SES

132 500 is for members of the public who require SES assistance in a flood or storm emergency, anywhere in Queensland.

SES Training

The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) is a Volunteer organisation.

The Queensland SES conducts or becomes involved in a wide range of disaster and emergency related operations. To allow these operational activities to be responded to effectively and safely the SES has a responsibility to ensure adequate and appropriate training is available to the members. This training needs to provide SES members with the appropriate skills & knowledge to enable them to perform their operational tasks and functions in a safe and effective manner.

SES has developed a comprehensive training framework based the National Public Safety Industry Training Package that meets the operational requirements of the service. As a part of this framework a training recognition process has been developed which provides external and internal forms of recognition for specific disciplines. These forms of recognition include a range of Nationally Recognised Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas and Statements of Attainment as well as Statements of Attainment and Statements of Attendance issued within the SES.

There is also competency maintenance system based on ongoing peer assessment recorded in a log book. This system is designed to monitor the skills and knowledge maintenance associated with specific disciplines.

Delivery of Training

Most training is delivered at local community (SES Unit / Group) level, delivered by local unit instructors. This includes the fundamental core of subjects that SES members require as well as some specific training in more specialised areas.

Training support is provided to SES Units and Groups through District Training Officers and District Training Support Units. District Training Officers are permanent staff members located throughout the State. These officers have the responsibility for the management of SES training within designated SES Districts. District Training Officers perform this role with assistance of a District Training Support Unit, which is comprised of qualified and experienced volunteer instructors who are available to assist in the preparation and delivery of training throughout the District. These members often put in long hours researching and preparing for training activities and travel long distances to other communities to conduct training activities.

Framework

The SES training framework provides for a progression of training, which enables a member to attain the level of skills required to competently carry out the tasks associated with their Units roles & responsibilities.

Each member, upon joining the SES, completes an Induction program which introduces the member to the legislative base on which the SES is established, the functions of the service and the unit’s operational responsibilities, as well as familiarising the new member with the structure and physical layout of the Unit or Group. This program also includes information on workplace health & safety and other organisational issues.

After completing the induction program members then commence training at Stage One level.

Stage 1 training programs provide members with fundamental skills and knowledge to allow them to participate as a team member in the unit’s basic operational activities.

Having completed relevant Stage 1 program/s, members’ progress to Stage 2 training.

Stage 2 training involves programs that focused on specific skills sets that are dependent on the unit’s operational roles.

Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 training programs include skills that may be employed in a Civil Defence role.

Stage 1 and 2 Programs

Stage Two

Stage 3 - Specialist Training Programs

Specialised training is provided in the following subjects:

Stage 3

Stage 4 Programs

Specific training and assessment is provided in the following instructional levels:

Stage 4

Stage 5 Programs

Training is provided in the following management areas:

Stage 5 Modules

MBRC (Moreton Bay Regional Council)
EMQ (Emergency Management Qld)
SES Portal (Members Only)
Queensland SES (Public)