Firefighters in the UK are responsible for responding to emergency situations such as fires, road traffic collisions, chemical spills, and rescues. The role involves operating fire engines and equipment, saving lives, protecting property, and educating the public about fire prevention and safety. Firefighters must be physically fit, able to work well under pressure, and prepared for dangerous or unpredictable situations. The job also includes maintaining equipment, carrying out training exercises, and working closely with other emergency services. Entry is competitive and usually requires passing physical and written tests, as well as ongoing training.
The average salary for a firefighter in the UK ranges from £24,000 to £41,000 per year depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are approximately 32,000 full-time firefighters employed in the UK.
Firefighters typically work 42 hours per week, often in shifts that include nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Specialises in responding to fire and emergency incidents at airports, dealing with aircraft fires, fuel spills, and rescue situations.
Focuses on preventing and controlling fires in forests, moorlands, and rural areas, often working outdoors in challenging conditions.
Examines fire scenes to determine the cause, gathers evidence, and works with the police and insurance companies to investigate suspicious fires.
Achieve at least GCSEs in English and Maths, usually at grades 9 to 4 (A to C).
Most fire and rescue services require a minimum of GCSEs in English and Maths. Some may also accept equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills. Having science or physical education can be advantageous but is not always essential.
Ensure you are physically fit and meet health and eyesight criteria set by the UK fire service.
Firefighting is physically demanding. You will need to pass fitness assessments, which may include ladder climbs, casualty evacuation, and equipment carries. A medical examination and eyesight test are also required, and you must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
You must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to work in the UK.
Most fire and rescue services require you to be over 18 years of age at the time you start training. You will also need the right to work in the UK, which may involve showing proof of citizenship or a valid visa.
Look up local fire and rescue services and check their recruitment schedules and entry requirements.
Firefighter recruitment in the UK is highly competitive and not always open year-round. Visit the websites of local fire and rescue services to find out when applications are open and to learn about the qualities they are looking for in candidates.
Submit an online application form and provide evidence of your skills and motivation.
The application process usually involves completing a detailed form where you outline your experiences and suitability for the role. You may need to address specific competencies such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Practise for written, practical, and physical tests as part of the recruitment process.
Selection often includes numerical and verbal reasoning tests, physical assessments, and practical tasks that simulate firefighting situations. Some services provide practice materials online. Preparing in advance can improve your confidence and performance.
Successfully complete basic training at a fire service training centre.
Initial training programmes typically last between 12 and 18 weeks and cover fire safety, emergency response, first aid, and teamwork. You will gain hands-on experience with firefighting equipment and learn how to respond to different types of emergencies.
Work as a trainee firefighter under supervision for a set probationary period.
After initial training, you will usually spend a period (often 12 to 18 months) as a probationary firefighter. During this time, you will work alongside experienced colleagues, take part in further training, and develop your skills on the job.
Take part in ongoing training and development to progress in your career.
Firefighters regularly update their skills through courses in specialist areas such as road traffic collisions, hazardous materials, or community fire safety. With experience, you can progress to roles such as Crew Manager, Watch Manager, or even Station Manager.
Paramedics provide emergency medical care and transport for ill or injured people, often working alongside firefighters at accident scenes.
Police officers maintain law and order, prevent crime, and protect the public, frequently collaborating with firefighters in emergencies.
Fire safety officers focus on preventing fires by inspecting buildings, enforcing safety regulations, and delivering fire safety education.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
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You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course before applying to join the fire service as a trainee, though this is not essential.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply for an Operational Firefighter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with a fire and rescue service.
The apprenticeship takes about 2 years and combines on-the-job training with off-site study.
You'll usually need:
Volunteering or working in a support role, for example emergency call handling or fire safety home visits, will give you an idea of what the job is like, as well as access to internal vacancies. You'll usually need to be 18 or over.
Most fire and rescue services also run a Fire Cadets scheme. They're typically aimed at young people aged between 13 and 17 and offer a few hours' training each week in:
Contact your local fire service to find out more about volunteering opportunities and fire cadets.
You can apply directly to join the fire service. Each service sets its own entry requirements.
Many ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.
The selection process can take some time and involves:
Fire services hold regular outreach events where you can speak to firefighters about the job and register your interest for upcoming vacancies.
You may be able to join the fire service as an on-call firefighter.
You'll be trained to deal with a broad range of incidents in return for a commitment to provide shift cover during days, nights and weekends. This is a paid position and could lead to a full-time role when opportunities arise.
You can also train to be a firefighter in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Fire services take on new recruits at different times of the year, so check with your local fire service to find out when they are recruiting next.
You can contact your local fire and rescue service for a firefighter careers information and recruitment pack.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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