Sponsored Reserve Firefighter - RAF Benson

Capita; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary £30,954 rising to £34,

Deployment payments £7,000 each deploy

Operational Training Supplement £1,500

23 days’ holiday (+ buy/sell)

Pension and life assurance

Paid maternity/adoption/shared leave (

Cycle2Work scheme

Diversity and inclusion networks

Job summary

Capita seeks individuals for Sponsored Reserve Firefighter roles, combining civilian firefighting with military purpose. The program covers deployment overseas and UK assignments, and includes a four-month overseas pattern followed by 16 months in the UK, with training and support throughout.

Applicants should be prepared for selection, background checks and fitness assessments, and may join via the Level 3 Firefighter Apprenticeship route, earning while learning and gaining a long-term career

Qualifications

• Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen, dual national, or Commonwealth citizen from birth.
• Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (in some cases, 3 years may be considered).
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Be able to meet the required fitness standards – including selection and pre‑joining tests.
• Meet the medical and health standards for the role, including eyesight and general fitness.
• Be prepared to complete situational and behavioural assessments, along with all required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Responding to real incidents in high-pressure environments.
• Working with RAF teams and specialist equipment.
• Supporting Defence operations in the UK and overseas.
• Be part of a close-knit, professional team.

Education

Level 3 Firefighter Apprenticeship

Job description

A route in - whether you're building on experience or ready for a fresh start

No firefighting experience? No problem.

Looking for a career with purpose?

Want a career with purpose, challenge, teamwork and the chance to do something genuinely meaningful?

Whether you're already a firefighter, leaving the Armed Forces, or simply ready for a complete career change, this could be the opportunity you didn't know existed.

We're looking for people to join us as Sponsored Reserve Firefighter, a unique role combining civilian firefighting with military purpose, supporting Defence both in the UK and overseas. This is a chance to build a career where you'll be trained, supported and trusted to make a real difference. The role forms part of the RAF firefighter force and supports rescue and firefighting capability across the UK and on overseas operations.

As part of our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from people who are from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as women and career-changers.

A route in - whether you're building on experience or ready for a fresh start

No firefighting experience? No problem.

You may be eligible for a Level 3 Firefighter Apprenticeship, a paid, earn-while-you-learn route into a long-term career.

If You've Ever Thought

I want to do something that matters.

I’m ready for a new challenge.

This could be it.

What makes this different?

• Responding to real incidents in high-pressure environments
• Working with specialist equipment and RAF teams
• Supporting Defence operations in the UK and overseas
• Be part of a close-knit, professional team

With a unique pattern of 4 months overseas, 16 months in the UK, you’ll have structure, variety and purpose.

Why join us?

• Build a long-term career
• Gain recognised training
• Earn while you learn through the apprenticeship route, if eligible
• Be part of something purposeful
• Join a team where your contribution matters every day

What You'll Need To Join Us

We’re looking for people with the right mindset, commitment and potential to succeed in a demanding but rewarding role. To apply, you’ll need to:

• Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen, dual national, or Commonwealth citizen from birth
• Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (in some cases, 3 years may be considered)
• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Be able to meet the required fitness standards – including selection and pre‑joining tests (we provide clear guidance to help you prepare)
• Meet the medical and health standards for the role, including eyesight and general fitness
• Be prepared to complete situational and behavioural assessments, along with all required background checks

What's In It For You

This is a career that gives back in development, in purpose, and in the benefits that support you along the way:

• A starting salary of £30,954, rising to £34,823 once fully trained
• £7,000 deployment payment each time you deploy overseas
• An annual Operational Training Supplement of £1,500 (subject to criteria)
• 23 days’ holiday, with the option to buy more
• Pension and life assurance to support your future
• 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave
• Access to wellbeing support and benefits, including the Cycle2Work scheme
• The opportunity to be part of employee networks that champion diversity, inclusion and belonging

Ready for something different?

Bring your experience. Bring your potential.

We’ll help you build a career you can be proud of.

Equal Opportunities

At Capita, we’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. We want everyone to have the best chance of succeeding as they move through their application and start their career with us. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer; we want to hear from you if you’d like to discuss any adjustments you might need during your recruitment process. Please email [e-mail] or call 07784 237318 and we’ll get back to you to discuss.

For more information about equal opportunities and the types of adjustments we can offer, please visit the Capita Careers website.

If you have a question that does not relate to adjustments during your recruitment process, please email our Talent Acquisition team - [e-mail]