Regardless of previous experience, it is a requirement to complete our three-step Outreach Programme in order to progress to the application process.
What is the Outreach Programme?
After you have completed the Outreach Programme, you will be instructed on how to apply to become a firefighter.
We want to make sure this is the right career choice for you and that you have all the information you need to make this important decision. The Outreach Programme gives you a chance to ask initial questions and for us to learn more about you. The information session will explain what the job involves, the salary and benefits, and an honest account of the things you will enjoy as well as the challenges you may face. Finally you will hear about the skills and values we’re looking for in our future firefighters and the application process.
These must be completed at home and will be verified at the Assessment Centre as part of the next stage.
The Assessment Centre consists of a number of different types of assessment:
If you’re successful you’ll progress to the physical fitness tests.
Candidates will be required to pass a two days of physical tests which include:
Day 1
Day 2
Check out our Fitness tests page for more information about this stage.
If you successfully pass the physical tests you will be asked to attend a medical where you will be examined by our medical team. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire covering your medical history and will then be subject to a series of tests. Your medical records may also need to be obtained from your GP.
Wearing glasses or contact lenses isn't a problem, but you'll need to meet certain requirements, including ‘acceptable’ colour vision. Also, only certain types of laser eye surgery are permitted, and you'll need to wait one year after laser eye surgery before you will be considered.
Full details about the range of eye tests you'll need to pass will be provided during the selection process.
You will still be able to apply. If you get to the medical stage of the recruitment process, the seriousness of your colour deficiency will be assessed and a risk assessment will be made.
If you pass the medical requirements, we'll ask you for references.
You'll be asked to provide:
Once we receive your references and DBS and have checked them, you'll move on to full training.
In this stage you'll complete a 15 week training course as part of your Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. This incorporates a 2 week induction program followed by an 11 week practical training phase and 2 week pre-station training.
During these 15 weeks you will earn the trainee firefighter salary of £32,280 pa including London Weighting.
When you’ve successfully completed your training course you’ll have a pass out ceremony, and will move onto a fire station where you will continue your training on-the-job.