How to become a Firefighter

An overview of the role

The role of a firefighter involves protecting members of the public and providing assistance in the event of an emergency.

Firefighters respond to emergencies such as:

1. Fires
2. EMS calls
3. People trapped in buildings
4. Road accidents
5. Rail accidents
6. Air accidents
7. Natural disasters
8. Chemical or other toxic spills
9. Terrorist incidents

Firefighters are classed either as wholetime (full-time) or retained (part-time). A wholetime firefighter:

1. Works a 42 hr week in shifts spanning 24 hrs
2. Shifts tend to operate on a day-on, day-off basis (for example, two day shifts and two night shifts followed by four days off)
3. Is paid an annual salary
4. Usually works in an urban environment

A retained firefighter:

1. Has no scheduled hours but is on call in the event of an emergency
2. Is either self-employed or works in a profession that allows for emergency callouts with little to no notice
3. Is paid for every incident they attend in addition to an annual retainer
4. Usually works in a rural environment

Should you progress to a managerial position within the industry, your responsibilities will include:

1. Assessing situations and directing the firefighters at your station as to the best course of action
2. Writing up all necessary paperwork (for example incident reports)
3. Resource management and budgeting
4. Hazard investigation and assessment

Being able to handle something when everyone else’s lives are in chaos. Helping those in need regardless of the risk to ourselves. Knowing someone is still alive today or their house is still standing because we were able to be their angel on their day of need. That’s the greatest part of my job. Without the thanks even needed.

Ben Belzel, Firefighter 1

What are the key skills required by a firefighter?

Key skills for a firefighter include:

1. Excellent communication skills
2. Courage and tenacity
3. Excellent at thinking fast on your feet
4. The ability to remain calm under pressure
5. Physical fitness
6. Excellent teamwork
7. Situational awareness
8. Problem-solving skills

Fireservice.co.uk discusses the National Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA) that will be assessed during each application to become a firefighter – a comprehensive breakdown of the personality traits necessary for the role.

You must be 18 or older in order to apply for a job as a firefighter.

What qualifications does a firefighter require?

Firefighting is a career path in which physical and mental attributes are more important than formal qualifications.  Nonetheless, there are several vocational degrees designed specifically to equip candidates for the role. These include:

1. Fire and Rescue BSc (Hons) – University of Wolverhampton
2. Fire and Leadership Studies BSc (Hons) – University of Central Lancashire

Vocational firefighting degrees usually require BBC-CCC grades at A-level or equivalent.

There are also several courses available at undergraduate and masters level that will give candidates an insight into human behaviour, fire risk analysis and fire dynamics rather than practical firefighting.

Such qualifications are not mandatory but will be an asset to candidates who wish to progress to freelance and/or consultancy positions within the firefighting sector. Courses include:

1. Fire Engineering BEng (Hons) – The University of Central Lancashire
2. Fire Safety Engineering MSc – The University of Edinburgh

Candidates who wish to undergo academic training for the role without attending university have the option to gain a Level 2 BTEC Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.

Acceptance into an entry-level firefighter position without a relevant degree or alternative qualification requires pass grades (A*-C or Level 9-4) in English and mathematics, or equivalent.

Applicants must also possess:

1. A full and valid UK driving license, allowing the holder to drive unsupervised. Ideally the license will be clean. If you hold a valid HGV license this is valuable but not mandatory
2. No unspent convictions

It is also vital that aspiring firefighters live in the area in which they are applying to work, or in a directly adjoining postcode area. This ensures an in-depth knowledge of the local environment as well  rapid response times.

Applicants that fulfill all of the requirements listed above must also pass the following tests set by the UK Fire Service:

1. The National Firefighter Physical Tests
2. Eyesight Requirements
3. Psychological Tests

Do I need relevant work experience to become a firefighter?

Thanks to the inherent risks of the role, work experience placements in the sector are limited. You may be able to undergo a shadowing placement within the fire station or train as a volunteer firefighter as a means to full-time employment, however.

The retainers paid to retained firefighters vary and can be anywhere between £2,000 and almost £3000 depending on experience. Their wage for a single callout is between £10 and £14. Retained firefighters working in London tend to earn more, both in terms of retainer and hourly rate.

“The best part of the job is helping people and saving lives. But the most exciting part is fighting fires. You get an amazing adrenaline rush that helps you to do it.”

Inside Career Info 3

Related occupations

Occupations related to the role of a firefighter include:

1. Police officer
2. Paramedic
3. Health and safety adviser
4. Army officer
5. Bomb disposal technician
6. Training and education officer
7. Ambulance driver

References:

1.  https://www.firerescue1.com/labor-issues/articles/1190315-FR1-community-Whats-the-best-thing-about-being-a-firefighter/

2. https://www.insidecareerinfo.com/careers/career-info/protective-services/firefighter