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Firefighter

Alternative titles for this job include Fireman, firewoman

Firefighters help to protect people from fire and other dangers, and give advice on fire prevention.

Average salary (a year)

£24,191 Starter

to

£32,244 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a firefighter

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • a fire service training course

College

You could take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services before applying to the fire service, although this is not essential.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start training on an operational firefighter advanced apprenticeship.

You'll need to be employed by a fire service to do this.

You could train to be a firefighter in the Royal Air Force (RAF). You can find more information at:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

More Information

Volunteering

Volunteering or working in a support role, for example emergency call handling or fire safety, will give you an idea of what the job is like, as well as access to internal vacancies.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to join the fire service. Each one sets its own entry requirements.

Many ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll need to pass:

  • an online test to assess your judgement ability in a realistic work setting
  • number and reading tests

If you're successful, you'll:

  • do practical selection tests to find out whether you can do the physical tasks needed for the job
  • be interviewed

Other Routes

You could prepare to apply for a job by doing a Level 2 Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community. This course is usually run by local fire services and is aimed at people who have some responsibility for fire safety, like housing wardens and fire prevention officers.

More Information

Career tips

Most fire services take on new recruits once every 12 months, so you'll need to find out when they are recruiting next.

Further information

You can ask your local fire and rescue service for a firefighter careers and recruitment pack.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of training and how to present information
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Some fire services may only accept applications from people living in the local and surrounding areas.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Every day will be different, but you could:

  • inspect and maintain equipment
  • carry out practice drills and take part in training
  • respond to emergency call-outs
  • rescue people and animals from burning buildings and accident sites
  • control and put out fires
  • deal with bomb alerts and floods
  • manage chemical or hazardous substance spills
  • give presentations to schools and community groups
  • inspect buildings to make sure they meet fire safety regulations

Working environment

You could work at a fire station, at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height, physically and emotionally demanding and cramped.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment and a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

All fire services have a programme that lets you plan and track your career development.

You could work your way up to crew manager, watch manager or station manager. If you're prepared to move between services, you could become an area manager, a brigade manager or a chief fire officer.

If you're involved in fire safety and prevention work, you can take professional qualifications leading to membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

You could also get a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence for driving fire engines.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Firefighter Apprenticeship 2023

  • Wage: £16,855.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Public Protective Services - Level 3

  • Provider: THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: King's Lynn

Level 2 Uniformed Protective Services

  • Provider: ST VINCENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2023
  • Location: Gosport
Find courses near you

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