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Firefighter

Alternative titles for this job include

Firefighters respond to emergency call outs, search and rescue incidents and road traffic accidents. They also give advice on fire safety.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 48 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Meet Samaia

Samaia is a firefighter for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

2 minute watch

View transcript

My name is Samaia. I'm a firefighter for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

It wasn't something that I’d say I always thought about doing. It wasn't something that I thought was an option for me initially.

And it came about from the more I got into fitness and that side of things, I met more females who do firefighting I know in the industry. And then it kind of became a bit of an idea which grew and grew. And I thought do you know what, this is actually something I could do. And this is actually something that would be a job that I'd love.

I quite like things like problem solving or handling things under stress or like, you know, quick thinking. So that was already something I enjoy. So that definitely came with me. And it applies really like all the time obviously at jobs. And I like that. I like challenging that side of me.

The other side was more like the technical tool side. So we have a lot of tools on the fire engine. I'm not someone who's been in like hands on tools position previously, so learning all the tools, figuring out how to use them all or what they all do.

You only work in like kind of teams of typically 4 or 5 on a fire engine, you know, 6 as a crew or 8 as a crew overall. So how close you work together and how much you know how each other works is so important. You know where all the pieces are going to go and what’s everyone's going to start doing, so, I love working with my crew, and I love it when we get to a job and we just know what needs to happen and we just spring into action.

You usually come down and you do parade at the start of shift where you all stand together as a crew and you go through what’s your role that day. So what you're going to be doing, what's your focus, what needs to happen.

Your gaffer, so whoever's in charge that day, will talk you through what's expected of you, and then what else we're going to do. So what drill we might be doing, where we're going to go visit in the community, and maybe a kind of any sort of home visits or business visits that we need to do that day.

Of course, at any moment the bells can go. So this plan can flip, and that's just how it goes. You just adapt to what needs to happen really.

Do your research, go and visit crews, talk to anybody who you know is a firefighter. Understand what happens on a day to day, and understand both the good and the bad side of the job. You need to really see kind of everything to understand what's going to be for you.

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

College

You could take a college course before applying to join the fire service as a trainee, though this is not essential.

Courses include:

  • public services
  • fire and rescue services in the community

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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.

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 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:

  • basic firefighting drills
  • using equipment
  • first aid
  • fire safety

Contact your local fire service to find out more about volunteering opportunities and fire cadets.

Direct Application

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:

  • online aptitude tests
  • attendance at an assessment centre
  • fitness and medical checks
  • interviews

Fire services hold regular outreach events where you can speak to firefighters about the job and register your interest for upcoming vacancies.

Other Routes

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).

More Information

Career tips

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.

Further information

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

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
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with others
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • knowledge of training and how to present information
  • 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.

Generally, there is no upper age limit to join.

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a firefighter, you could:

  • carry out practice drills and respond to emergency call outs
  • control and put out fires
  • rescue people and animals from burning buildings and incident sites
  • deal with natural disasters like floods or storm damage
  • 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, cramped and physically and emotionally demanding.

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

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
  • 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 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence for driving fire engines.

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

RAF Firefighter - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,200 a year Annually
  • Location: PO1 2EN

RAF Firefighter - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,200 a year Annually
  • Location: OX1 3LJ
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Public & Protective Services Level 3

  • Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Hereford

Public Services (Uniformed Protective Services) (Extended Diploma)

  • Provider: THE HENLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 September 2025
  • Location: Henley-on-Thames
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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