Firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency situations, including fires, road traffic accidents, floods, and other rescue incidents. The role involves working in high-pressure environments to save lives, protect property, and support communities. Firefighters also carry out fire safety checks, educate the public about fire prevention, and maintain firefighting equipment. Physical fitness, teamwork, and quick decision-making are essential skills for this career. Training is provided on the job, often beginning with a trainee programme, and opportunities for progression include roles such as crew manager or station manager.
The average salary for a firefighter in the UK ranges from £24,000 for new recruits to around £40,000 for experienced crew managers.
As of 2023, there are approximately 34,000 full-time and part-time firefighters employed by UK fire and rescue services.
Firefighters often work in shift patterns, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays, typically covering a 42-hour working week.
Provides fire and rescue services at airports, dealing with aircraft emergencies and ensuring passenger safety.
Specialises in examining the causes of fires, gathering evidence and working with the police to investigate incidents.
Focuses on educating the public about fire prevention and safety through school visits, community events and safety campaigns.
Firefighting is physically demanding, so it is important to stay fit and healthy.
You will need to be able to lift, carry, and use heavy equipment, sometimes in extreme conditions. Regular exercise, especially activities that boost strength, stamina, and flexibility, is essential. Team sports, running, swimming, or gym workouts are all excellent ways to build your fitness.
Firefighters work closely with others, so strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
You can build these skills through group activities, volunteering, or part-time jobs. Being able to follow instructions, stay calm under pressure, and support your team will help you succeed in this career.
You will usually need at least GCSEs in English and Maths. Some fire services may require additional qualifications.
Most fire services ask for passes in English and Maths at GCSE level or equivalent. Higher qualifications are not always needed, but having them can help. Check the specific requirements of the fire service you are interested in as they can vary.
You usually need to be at least 18 years old and have the right to work in the UK.
Applicants need to be legally eligible to work in the UK and meet minimum age requirements. A full UK driving licence may also be required. You will also have to pass medical and eyesight tests, and sometimes background checks.
Find firefighter vacancies and submit your application to a local fire and rescue service.
Applications usually involve filling in an online form and may include some initial tests, like situational judgement or numeracy. You will need to show your motivation and suitability for the role.
You will need to pass a series of physical, practical, and written tests.
These may include fitness tests, ability tests, and practical assessments like ladder climbs or equipment carries. There are also interviews and group exercises to assess how you work with others under pressure.
If successful, you will complete an intensive training course.
Training covers fire safety, rescue techniques, first aid, equipment use, and more. This is usually delivered at a fire service training centre and can last several months. After training, you will continue learning on the job as a probationary firefighter.
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.
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 558 positions available )
Could you become part of the world’s most elite amphibious force and wear the coveted green beret? It’s not for everybody, that’s for sure. Digging deep to aim high, you’ll stop for nothing. In the most hostile environments, and on the most treacherous terrain.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 20 positions available )
Being a Intelligence Analyst means you’re vital to the Royal Navy's intelligence gathering operation. The go-to for information that shapes the operational decision-making process. Your insight will transform raw data into an indispensable analysis of the situation. You’ll also use your keen eye for detail to prepare briefings for senior officers.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
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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