'Application forms are designed to screen you out rather than to get you in. 'However up to 90% of applicants fail at the first hurdle by not following simple instructions given in the actual application form. 'Filling in your application form is probably the most important part of the recruitment process, as this is the first time the fire and rescue service you are applying for receives any information about who or what you are. I know that in London, the physical tests that we did in the application process didn't actually reflect the level that you need through training school – where you spend days running around putting up ladders and hauling equipment up a training tower.' Applying to be a firefighterĪnyone seriously considering becoming a firefighter will need to spend a serious amount of time researching the application processes used by the fire and rescue service that they are applying to.įire Service Resources feels that taking due diligence when completing the application form is essential: 'Secondly, it’s important to maintain a decent level of fitness. I ended up getting the phone number of the guy who was a trainee at my local station and we are still in contact now. 'Most of the time you will come across someone who’s happy to have a chat and answer any questions, as well as let you have a look around the fire engine. This is what I did when I was going through the application process. 'The first tip that I would give to anyone interested in becoming a firefighter is simply to head down to their local fire station and have a chat with whoever is on duty. This may happen just once a year, or even less, for a short period only. You need to find out when the fire service you're considering to apply to is likely to have its next recruitment period. A constant story from many firefighters is that it can take many attempts before you're successful. It's really difficult to become a firefighter. I think the shift pattern is pretty great too – I work two days followed by two nights and then four days off.' 'I also really enjoy the varied and worthwhile work that I get to do and getting the genuine chance to help people. We will often go out for drinks, play football, and try to organise a few weekends away a year. 'There's so much about my job that I enjoy. We ask a firefighter what they enjoy about their job: You’ll often be working outdoors and to a shift pattern.įind out more in our Fire Service Officer job profile. To be a firefighter you’ll need a high level of physical fitness and good communication skills. Not interested in becoming a firefighter? Browse all of our careers and job guides.įirefighters control and put out fires, as well as rescuing people, property, and animals from dangerous situation such as floods, fires, and car accidents. Education and qualifications to become a firefighter.Often we find ourselves dealing with fire alarms actuating, flooding, and gaining entry to houses, etc.' Skip ahead to learn more about becoming a firefighter: I always knew that I would see some quite horrific things, but you can't prepare yourself for acid attacks, burns victims and people who have jumped in front of trains.
'Before I became a firefighter, I don't think I realised the range of incidents that firefighters attend. We ask a firefighter what their day job is really like: 'Firefighters also engage with the community to provide information, advice and guidance to individuals and groups around health, safety and wellbeing.' When in attendance, they must adopt a sensitive approach to dealing with members of the public and casualties who may be distressed and confused. 'They also respond to incidents involving planes, trains, road traffic collisions and marine emergencies. 'These situations vary from tackling fires, searching, rescuing and protecting people and animals, by sustaining/preserving their life to protecting life and the environment from the effects of fire, natural and human disasters and hazardous materials (eg chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives). 'Firefighters tackle a wide range of emergency situations where problem-solving and initiative is vital to resolve incidents quickly and calmly. As the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education says: Although the title may suggest otherwise, firefighters aren’t always fighting fires.
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