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Public Service

Firefighter

Firefighters respond to fires, rescues, road traffic collisions and other emergencies while helping communities reduce fire risk. Recruitment requirements vary by fire and rescue service; fitness and medical assessments are required.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£28,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£28k – £42k
Senior / lead
£42,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Respond to fires, crashes and floods
  • Carry out rescues
  • Check and maintain equipment
  • Give fire safety advice to the public
  • Take part in regular training and fitness
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resit courses vary

    Build English, maths and practical problem-solving skills through GCSEs or equivalent study; qualification requirements vary by fire and rescue service.

  2. 2

    Application

    application
    Recruitment windows vary; allow time to prepare

    Apply during a wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign, showing how your experience matches the service’s values and role requirements.

  3. 3

    Recruitment / assessment

    application
    Often several weeks to months across recruitment

    Complete the service’s selection process, which may include aptitude tests, practical exercises, group tasks and interviews.

  4. 4

    Fitness and medical checks

    application
    Usually several appointments; scheduling varies

    Pass the service’s fitness tests and occupational health assessment, with eyesight, hearing and other checks as required.

  5. 5

    Firefighter training

    qualification
    Often 12–16 weeks initially, then around 2 years in development; programmes vary

    Complete initial operational training and supervised station development, covering firefighting, rescue, breathing apparatus and community safety.

  6. 6

    Firefighter

    role
    Ongoing; promotion timing varies

    Work full-time shifts responding to emergencies, maintaining equipment, practising operational skills and delivering fire prevention activities.

  7. 7

    Crew / Watch Manager

    role
    Usually after substantial operational experience; timing varies

    Progress through promotion assessments to lead a crew or watch, overseeing operational readiness, staff development and incident command within your competence.

  8. 8

    Station / senior management

    role
    Usually several years of leadership experience; progression varies

    Compete for station management and later senior roles, taking responsibility for people, resources, service performance and wider operational leadership.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Operational Firefighter apprenticeship (Level 3) — optional
Certifications
  • Full UK driving licence (often required)
  • First aid / trauma care (trained in service)