Firefighter

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

Potential salary: £28,000 starter to £42,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 42 to 48 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
Career area: Law and public service
Where they might work: 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.
A typical task: carry out practice drills and respond to emergency call outs
Subjects that may help: GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths
Typical route: No university route listed.
Interest area used here: Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

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Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Criminology
Related, but not enough on its own. Firefighting is a service recruitment and training route. This degree is not part of it.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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 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.

pass a fitness test

pass a medical check

pass enhanced background checks

have a full driving licence

be over 18 years of age