Apprentice Wholetime Firefighter

Networking Women in the Fire Service; New York (NY); On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a courageous team dedicated to saving lives and supporting communities. As an Apprentice Wholetime Firefighter, you'll engage in vital emergency response work while receiving comprehensive training and support for your career development. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and contribute to the safety of your community. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and diversity, this organization fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you're ready to take on a new challenge and grow your skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Eligibility to work in the UK and a full manual UK driving licence.
• Ability to provide full education/employment history for the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Responding to emergencies and supporting people in crisis.
• Completing a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship.

Skills

Problem-solving

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Education

GCSE Grade 4/C in English

GCSE Grade 4/C in Maths

Functional Skills Level 2

Job description

Job Title: Apprentice Wholetime Firefighter

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 42 hours a week

Salary: £28,265.00 rising to £37,675.00 when Competent

Location: Across Essex (you could be posted to any station in the County)*

Closing Date: 23:59, 5th June 2025

The Role

Firefighting isn’t just about responding to emergencies – it’s about saving lives, supporting people in crisis, and helping to keep Essex safe. We’re looking for community-minded people from all backgrounds who are fit, focused, and ready to take on a new challenge.

At Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, you’ll be part of a professional, inclusive, and courageous team. You’ll make a real difference every day — and we’ll back you with training, wellbeing support, and career development.

Eligibility

What you’ll need – these are all essential requirements. If you apply without meeting them all, your application may be withdrawn, and you may not be able to reapply for at least 12 months.

• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Hold a full manual UK driving licence
• Be able to travel to any fire station in Essex
• Have (or be able to provide evidence of) GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, Functional Skills Level 2, or a recognised international equivalent
• Have a valid email address
• Meet our vision and hearing standards (check here)
• Be able to provide full education/employment history for the last five years

If you need support achieving Maths or English qualifications, free courses are available through Colchester Institute.

The Process

1. Online application: Submit your details and upload a CV or similar document outlining your education and work history.
2. Online Assessment: A problem-solving test (Arctic Shores) to explore how you respond to different situations.
3. Fitness and physical assessment: Please see here for details about firefighter fitness https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/firefighter-fitness
4. Interview: We’ll explore your values, motivation, and experience.
5. Practical assessment day: Team tasks, practical exercises, and a knowledge review.
6. Pre-employment checks: Enhanced DBS, references, medical checks, and induction, including an apprenticeship skills scan.

Apprenticeship and support

All new wholetime firefighters complete a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. We’ll support you every step of the way – with training, mentoring, and real opportunities to grow your career.

Should you wish to have an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact recruitment mailbox at [e-mail]

Our Culture and Benefits

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits

Safeguarding

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.

You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people, or vulnerable adults.

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.

Additional Information

This role will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Disability Confident

We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident employer who welcomes applications from everyone and values diversity in our workplace. A commitment to promoting diversity and developing a work environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

We offer support options during our recruitment process, including employee forums such as AFSA, BEING, Christian Fellowship, Ethnic Minority Forum, Men’s Forum, Women’s Forum, and a digital accessibility inclusion group (DAIG). For support or further information, contact [e-mail] or [e-mail].

More about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service and our vacancies can be found at www.essex-fire.gov.uk and www.essex-fire.gov.uk/join-essex-fire.