Jones fired up for future career

Ashes hero Geraint Jones set the cricketing world alight with his famous catch at Edgbaston in 2005, but he has now turned his attention to extinguishing fires as he looks to qualify as an on-call firefighter with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

Since retiring from all forms of cricket in 2015 with 87 international appearances across all formats to his name, Jones has worked as a cricket coach and business studies teacher. Over the last nine months, though, the 43-year-old has looked to broaden his horizons by completing the part-time training course.

Speaking to the PCA during its ongoing 2019 Futures Week, the former Kent and Gloucestershire player discussed his transition into a second career, as well as the ins and outs of the intense training that will hopefully see him qualify for the position at his local fire station in Sandwich, Kent.

The former wicketkeeper admits that the process has involved a lot of hard work, but has also used the qualities he developed during his professional cricket career to excel in the programme.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. There’s a lot to learn but there’s stages to it which I’m going through now and every day is a learning day,” Jones said.

“It’s a bit like cricket where every time you go in the nets you try and get a bit better – that’s where I’m at now. I’m trying to get better every single time.

“We had a tough session yesterday and it took me back to the last session of the middle of a Test Match when your legs are gone in hot conditions.

“It’s a fantastic career, though. Everyone is clearly so passionate about the job.”

John Cox, KFRS Watch Manager for Operational Training, reflected on Geraint’s progress through the training course so far:

“He was understandably very professional during his career, and that’s no different to what he’s doing at the moment. You can see he’s got a very competitive streak in him.

“As the professional that he is, he’s used to teamwork, and a big part of the fire service is being part of a team and working as a team member, regardless of strengths and weaknesses.

“Quite clearly he’s a very, very good professional.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters at a number of stations across Kent. Find out more and apply at www.kent.fire-uk.org/jobs.

If you’re a PCA member and are looking to build a second career, find out more about our Personal Development and Welfare Programme or contact your designated Personal Development Manager (PDM).

Keep up-to-date with the week’s activities by following the #PCAFuturesWeek hashtag on all of the PCA’s social media accounts.