Watch Manager Fire Protection Inspector Apprentice (Internal Only)

West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering an entry path for a Watch Manager Fire Protection Inspector Apprentice (Internal Only). This scheme blends operational leadership with specialist fire safety learning to build a career in Fire Protection.

Successful candidates will complete a structured development pathway, gain recognised qualifications, and work with senior fire protection officers to inspect premises and enforce safety standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong leadership and professional judgement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Motivated to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Capable of working independently while contributing to a high-performing team.
• Committed to improving outcomes for communities through prevention and protection activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support fire safety audits across premises.
• Influence fire safety standards through education, engagement and enforcement activity.
• Develop expertise in building construction, fire engineering principles and fire safety legislation.
• Support significant building safety and remediation programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Self-motivation

Independent work

Job description

Watch Manager Fire Protection Inspector Apprentice (Internal Only)

Shape the Future of Fire Safety at West Yorkshire

Working in Fire Protection offers a unique opportunity to combine operational experience with specialist fire safety expertise. If you are looking to broaden your leadership experience, influence safer buildings, develop recognised professional qualifications and contribute strategically to community safety, we encourage you to apply.

We are seeking applications from existing Watch Managers, substantive Crew Managers currently enrolled in the promotion process, and substantive Crew Managers seeking a temporary promotion opportunity.

Working within Fire Protection offers the chance to:

• Lead and support fire safety audits across a diverse range of premises.
• Influence fire safety standards and community outcomes through education, engagement and enforcement activity.
• Develop expertise in building construction, fire engineering principles and fire safety legislation.
• Support significant building safety and remediation programmes.
• Gain nationally recognised Fire Protection qualifications and specialist training.
• Work alongside experienced Fire Protection Officers, Inspecting Officers and external partners.
• Contribute to organisational priorities and national fire sector initiatives.

This opportunity provides:

• A structured development pathway into Fire Protection.
• Specialist qualifications and professional accreditation opportunities.
• Experience of regulatory and enforcement activity.
• Exposure to strategic risk management and building safety challenges.
• Enhanced leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Greater understanding of the wider role of the Fire and Rescue Service.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and professional judgement.
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Are motivated to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Can work independently whilst contributing to a high-performing team.
• Are committed to improving outcomes for communities through prevention and protection activities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Substantive Watch Manager, substantive Crew Manager in promotion process, or substantive Crew Manager seeking promotion.
• Hold and maintain all qualifications required for their current role.
• Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement plans or capability issues related to competency.
• Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in current role (as per Annual Review).
• Full and current driving licence.

Applicants must be available to commence employment in this role on 4 th January 2027 and must be available to attend the following key training dates:

11/01/27 – 15/01/27.

1 day required.

18/01/27 – 22/01/27.

1 day required.

15/03/27 – 19/03/27.

5 days required.

07/06/27 – 10/06/27.

4 days required.

09/08/27 – 13/08/27.

5 days required.

04/10/27 – 08/10/27.

5 days required.

13/03/28 – 23/03/28.

9 days required.

22/05/28 – 26/05/28.

5 days required.

31/07/28 – 04/08/28

1 day required.

30/10/28 – 04/11/28

1 day required.

Successful candidates are expected to stay within Fire Protection for a minimum of 2 years following completion of the apprenticeship scheme, which is expected to last 2 years. You will work the Grey Book flexi duty system; working within Fire Protection is not considered a specialist role in terms of attracting ARA/SSA payments.

Please note, it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a tax change. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from the Pensions team.

For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact the Fire Protection Management Team.

All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.

Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform,please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.