Training

Training as a firefighter takes about four months on an intensive course at our specially-equipped training centres. Here you'll be taught basic firefighting skills such as ladder safety, hose laying and the use of breathing apparatus.

You will also learn about fire safety and the importance of communicating these messages to the community. The training course will involve study both in the training centre and at home in the evenings and weekends. You'll be assessed along the way to monitor your progress.

After grasping the basic skills and gaining your first aid certificate, you'll get on-the-spot experience of the searing heat, humidity, flames and thick smoke - controlled and fuelled by us in a specially designed Fire House.

The training course at Southwark is non-residential and runs weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm. After that, you'll be allocated to a fire station within the Greater London area. You'll work a shift system at a station - currently, two day shifts, followed by two night shifts, followed by four days off. You'll be on probation for your first year and your performance will be continuously assessed.

Training will be an ongoing process throughout your career as a firefighter and you will be expected to participate in all relevant training and contribute to your own development. We want to make sure that you can handle safely the ever-changing demands and hazards you might face in your job.

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