How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in fire engineering.
You can also do an engineering degree, for example civil or structural engineering. You can then take a postgraduate course in fire safety engineering or fire engineering science.
Some courses offer a work placement. This will give you relevant work experience and can help you to make useful industry contacts.
Your university careers service will be able to advise you about this.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You can take a higher national certificate (HNC) or higher national diploma (HND) in an engineering subject at college. This might help you find work as a trainee fire engineer.
You'll then do further training on the job to specialise in fire safety.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Fire Safety Inspector Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or a Fire Safety Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and combine workplace training with study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
If you're already working in a fire safety or firefighting role, you may be able to take professional qualifications offered by The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), such as:
- Level 3 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science
- Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety
- Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation
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Career tips
Many fire safety engineers work in the construction industry for engineering consultancies and house building companies.
There may also be opportunities in the insurance industry, or in local authorities, to work in risk assessment or fire investigation.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Institution of Fire Engineers for professional development and networking opportunities.
Further information
You can learn more about a career as a fire engineer from The Institution of Fire Engineers.