Firefighters in the UK play a vital role in protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and other emergencies. Their work is not just about putting out fires; they also respond to road traffic collisions, floods, chemical spills, and rescue operations involving people or animals in dangerous situations. Firefighters are trained to use specialist equipment, carry out fire prevention work, educate the public about fire safety, and work as part of a close-knit team. The role is physically demanding and can be emotionally challenging, but it offers the reward of helping others and serving the local community.
A full-time UK firefighter typically earns between £24,191 and £32,244 per year, with experienced crew managers and watch managers earning up to £40,000.
There are approximately 35,000 firefighters employed across the UK, with competition for new positions often being high.
Firefighters in the UK usually work 42-hour weeks, which can include nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Specialises in responding to fires and emergencies at airports, dealing with aircraft incidents and hazardous materials.
Focuses on controlling and extinguishing fires in forests and rural areas, often working as part of a team in challenging outdoor environments.
Examines fire scenes to determine the cause and origin of fires, working closely with police and insurance companies.
Learn about what firefighters do, their responsibilities, and the challenges of the job.
Visit the websites of local fire and rescue services or the National Fire Chiefs Council to read about the daily life of a firefighter. Speak to current firefighters at open days or community events to gain first-hand insights. Understanding the physical and emotional demands of the role will help you decide if this career is right for you.
Check the qualifications, fitness standards, and personal qualities needed to become a firefighter.
Most fire and rescue services require applicants to have good GCSEs in English and maths. You must also meet certain medical and fitness standards, such as strength and stamina tests. Qualities like teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential. Some services may require you to live within a certain distance of the fire station.
Start a regular fitness routine to meet the physical demands of the job.
Firefighter selection tests include activities such as running, carrying equipment, ladder climbs, and strength exercises. Join a gym or sports club, or follow a structured training plan. Some fire and rescue services offer pre-recruitment fitness sessions or advice. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for this physically demanding career.
Volunteer or join schemes to gain experience related to emergency services.
Look for volunteer roles with organisations such as St John Ambulance, local fire cadet schemes, or community safety initiatives. Experience in teamwork, first aid, or supporting people in emergencies is valuable. You could also take part in Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar programmes that build leadership and community skills.
Get ready to apply when recruitment opens, including preparing your CV and practising for assessments.
Recruitment is highly competitive and only happens at certain times. Check your local fire and rescue service’s website regularly. Prepare your application carefully, highlighting your skills and motivation for the role. Practise for online tests and interviews, and consider attending recruitment events for advice.
Pass the application, physical, written, and interview stages of recruitment.
The selection process includes several stages: an initial application form, online ability tests (such as maths and situational judgement), physical and medical tests, and an interview. Each stage is designed to check your suitability for the role. Take time to prepare and practise for each part.
Attend and complete the firefighter training course provided by your fire and rescue service.
If successful, you will complete an intensive training programme, usually lasting several months. Training covers firefighting techniques, rescue operations, first aid, fire prevention, and safety procedures. You will also learn how to operate equipment and work as part of a team. Ongoing training and development are part of the role.
Begin working as a firefighter and continue to learn and develop your skills.
After training, you will be posted to a fire station as a probationary firefighter. You will work on shifts, attend emergencies, and take part in community safety activities. Continuous learning and professional development are encouraged, with opportunities for promotion or specialising in areas such as fire investigation or training.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Firefighter. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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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.
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