From fires to flooding, blue lights provide a much-appreciated sight to people in need. Firefighters join the ranks of police officers and ambulances as ‘first responders’, meaning they’re always on the scene during an emergency or dangerous situation.
It’s a tough job that requires mental and physical resilience. Luckily, plenty of firefighter apprenticeships are out there to help you learn all the operational and aptitude skills you’ll need to thrive as an emergency worker.
What jobs can you get as a firefighter?
Firefighter
Firefighters are always on the scene during emergencies like fires, vehicle accidents and natural disasters. Their ultimate goal is to protect people and property from harm, which is why they work quickly and use specialised equipment like hoses and ladders to provide rescue support. Firefighters also offer medical care and support local communities with fire safety initiatives.
Watch manager
As firefighters work in shifts (night/daytime), the team is usually split into groups called ‘watches.’ The watch manager is responsible for managing a team of firefighters in emergency and everyday situations, kind of like the leader of the fire crew. As well as helping civilians, watch managers conduct fire safety inspections in buildings and participate in fire safety programmes.
Fire safety officer
You can apply your knowledge outside of the station as a fire safety officer/consultant who is like a detective when it comes to fire prevention. They ensure buildings and spaces are safe from fire hazards and that people know what to do in case of an emergency. As part of this role, fire safety officers inspect buildings to check for potential risks like faulty wiring or blocked fire escapes and make sure fire alarms and sprinkler systems work properly.
Volunteer firefighter
Volunteer firefighters support communities, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. They are everyday citizens with regular jobs and lives who dedicate their time to protecting people – without getting paid. Just like career firefighters, volunteers undergo rigorous training to learn how to operate equipment, provide medical care and more.
Firefighter apprenticeships
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
This Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship lasts 24-30 months, giving you plenty of time to complete a range of essential training activities you need to tackle dangerous situations.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also has a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. In fact, they offer a range of learning opportunities covering behind-the-scenes operations, such as business administration, motor vehicle maintenance and HR consultancy.
Nottingham Fire & Rescue Service
If you join Nottingham Fire & Rescue Service, you can undertake your training through the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. It’s a two-year programme designed to give you experience in every scenario, from traffic accidents to oil spills.
North Wales Fire
North Wales Fire has two learning opportunities: the Firefighter Apprenticeship and the Future Leader Apprenticeship. The second one incorporates everything you’ll learn to be a firefighter, plus additional skills and development to prepare you for future managerial roles.
London Fire Brigade
Throughout the London Fire Brigade’s Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship, you’ll earn £32,280 over the fire fifteen weeks of training. When you pass the apprenticeship, the salary jumps to £43,076!
Entry requirements
The qualifications you need to get a firefighter apprenticeship really vary depending on the opportunity. For example, North Wales Fire’s Future Leader Apprenticeship requires a minimum of two A Levels and GCSEs in English/Welsh and maths. However, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is looking for an NVQ in a similar or related subject, such as an NVQ in Fire and Leadership Studies.
There are a few non-academic entry requirements to consider, as most fire services have a medical exam you’ll need to pass. After all, you’ll be wearing breathing apparatus and sometimes working at speed, so peak fitness is a must.
Extra tips
Getting out of your comfort zone is an absolute necessity to be a firefighter. It’s not cliché to say that firefighting is only for the brave! You’ll work in all weather and many dangerous conditions, possibly dealing with hazardous materials and even death. It’s a job that requires candidates to be as mentally healthy as they are physically fit, so make sure you keep a very realistic view of what firefighters deal with daily.
Your career will be heating up with a firefighter apprenticeship
Firefighters are the backbone of our society. Without them, emergency situations would be very different, and they dedicate their lives to helping people and communities.
Wondering what other opportunities are out there? Check out a range of apprenticeships in related industries like defence and the public sector.
