Job Description

Fire Fighters react to emergency situations to protect people, animals and property from fires, traffic incidents, floods, bomb threats and environmental hazards. They will work with the local community to advise on fire safety and how to prevent them in the first place. Many firefighters are retained which means they have other full-time jobs but carry pagers and will respond when an emergency call is received. Whole-time firefighters normally work in larger towns and cities and this will be their full-time job. Hours of work will be in shifts and will typically include unsociable hours.

Aviation firefighters will fight fires in aircraft and buildings at airports they will also deal with hazardous spills and provide rescue and first-aid services for aircraft passengers and crew and provide technical advice about fire safety as well as assisting in educating airport users about firefighting and safety.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

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

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

The following local colleges offer courses in Public Services:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

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'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Applying directly

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

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

A fire service training course

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.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

pass a fitness test
pass a medical check
pass enhanced background checks
have a full driving licence
be over 18 years of age
Some fire services may only accept applications from people living in the local and surrounding areas.

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.

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.

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Paramedic
Police officer
Police community support officer
Bomb disposal technician
Coastguard

Required Skills

Excellent team working abilities
Able to follow instructions
The ability to keep calm and reassure others
Good problem solving skills
Physical strength and endurance
Good interpersonal skills
An interest in promoting community safety

Salary Range

£23,500 to £38,500

Fire Fighter