How to Become a Firefighter
Being a firefighter is an incredible job, where you need to be courageous, dedicated, and content to place yourself in danger to protect others. If you are happy to do this, and have these required qualities, it is an enormously rewarding career saving lives! You may also give talks and advice to people on fire prevention. There are some requirements that you need to meet, before you can apply to become a firefighter:
Eligibility Criteria
- You need to be 18 years old to apply.
- You need to complete an Enhanced DBS Check that shows you have no unspent criminal convictions. The fire brigade will need to apply for this on your behalf, as you could only apply for a Basic DBS check as an individual. It is easy to complete the DBS check online. The enhanced check will check any information held by local police that is relevant to the role of firefighter.
- You need to be a UK citizen, or permanently reside in the UK with no work restrictions.
- You need to train and pass an LGV test in your first three years as a firefighter, so that you can drive the fire engine when needed.
- If you are male, you need to shave when on duty. You must be clean shaven so that breathing apparatus fits you correctly.
- You will need to pas a fitness and medical check.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, then the next time your local fire brigade holds a recruitment period, you will be able to apply to become a firefighter.
There are College courses you can take in Public Services, but these aren’t essential to do before becoming a firefighter. You could choose to gain some volunteer experience working in emergency call handling or fire safety, all of which would boost your CV and application for the role. There are certificates you can study for in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community which are useful for housing wardens or fire prevention officers.
Qualities Needed to Become a Firefighter
You need to have a clean criminal record, that shows no unspent convictions. As well as this you need other qualities below:
- Teamwork – it’s necessary that you work as part of a team. Teamwork is crucial for firefighting, working together to tackle a blaze, and to ensure that people are out of properties, and your team members are safe.
- Organisation – Being well organised and well disciplined, even under immense pressure, will help you to meet the demands of firefighting.
- Leadership – the fire brigade, will always need people who are leaders and are able to lead a team in highly pressured situations of rescuing people from buildings and vehicles. Being able to lead others is a highly sought-after skill.
- Flexibility – having a flexible attitude is essential to work in a fire brigade, as firefighters to a wide range of jobs, and it’s expected that everyone helps out with whatever is required.
Many fire brigades look to hire new recruits once per year, so it is sensible to find out when they will next be recruiting so that you can apply.