Isabel Harris, Knoah den Dulk, both 19, and Gemma Patterson, 17, finished their seven-day training to become firefighters at Woolston, in Christchurch, last month.
Apprentice builder Isabel Harris said she had always wanted to become a firefighter.
She was inspired by her great-grandfather who was chief fire officer of the Weston Fire Brigade.
She had been learning and observing with the Oamaru brigade for about the past year.
"It’s one of those things you have to be passionate about."
There were not many female firefighters but there was "growing diversity".
"I’m all for breaking stereotypes."
She enjoyed serving the community and giving back.
Labourer Knoah den Dulk said he enjoyed knowing he was making a difference in the community.
"I always had the desire to help people out."
He no longer considered himself one of the babies of the brigade — he was now a "toddler".
He was eager to progress through the ranks in hopes of one day becoming a driver.
Hospitality worker Gemma Patterson grew up in Omarama, where she watched the firefighters work.
"I always thought ‘I want to be like you’."
She was the youngest firefighter in the brigade at 17.
She enjoyed working alongside people and seeing how the teamwork of the brigade improved with every call-out.
The work was more mentally challenging than it was physical, she said.
She said having a range of ages and genders was beneficial to the brigade as they could offer different approaches to the same situation.
Senior firefighter Tane Rogers said Oamaru was still in need of more firefighters.
He invited anyone who was practical and did not mind hard work to come to training, held at 7pm most Monday nights.
Oamaru could easily do with another five recruits, particularly people to respond during the day.
There were men and women from 17 to those over 65, in occupations ranging from tradesmen to retail and office staff.
"If they’re keen, come along and have a look."
He said it was a good way to learn new skills and help the community.
