Firefighter | Explore careers | National Careers Service (2024)

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 recue services in the community

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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 fire fighting drills
• using equipment
• first aid
• fire safety

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:

• 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.

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).

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.

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 teaching and the ability to design courses
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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.

Generally, there is no upper age limit to join.

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

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.