Back to Career Guides

How to become a Firefighter

Firefighter jobs

404

Firefighter courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Firefighter

Firefighter

| Up to £30,000

Station Manager

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Firefighter

What does a Firefighter do?

If you’re passionate about health and safety, and want to make a real difference in your community, you should think about becoming a Firefighter…Firefighters help protect people, their property and the environment from fire. They are called upon to tackle emergency situations on a daily basis, ranging from putting out domestic fires through to dealing with suspicious packages, bomb threats, road accidents and even chemical spillages.Whilst day-to-day activities may vary, typical duties for a Firefighter could include:

Controlling and extinguishing fires
Responding to emergency calls
Performing search and rescue operations
Educating the community about the dangers of fire, and giving information on fire prevention
Maintaining equipment, including performing regular checks to make sure everything is in working order

Is a career as a Firefighter right for me?

Becoming a Firefighter is an incredibly rewarding career choice, however, it’s not for the faint-hearted.It takes an incredible amount of bravery, courage, dedication and discipline to even make it through the selection process. Days (and nights) can be long, and it will take a positivity and resilience to progress. Excellent vision, the ability to follow orders and an aversion to claustrophobia will be similarly essential. You will also need to be over the age of 18.Other key attributes include:

A high level of physical fitness
Excellent problem solving skills
Calmness under immense amounts of pressure
Sensitivity, and a reassuring and comforting approach
Assertiveness
Excellent communication skills

What's it like to be a Firefighter?

"I started out as a Retained Firefighter, meaning I had a different day job but provided flexible cover for my local station as and when required. After a few months, I knew Firefighting was for me, so I quit my job and never looked back. It can be really tough at times, both physically and mentally, but the rewards are well worth it. I’m part of a crew, a unit of like-minded people who risk their lives every day to save others. Job satisfaction doesn't come much bigger than that."

Get qualified as a Firefighter

No particular qualifications are needed to become a Firefighter. However, there are a series of written exams and aptitude tests you’ll need to pass in order to be eligible. You will also need to complete a number of physical tests as part of the selection process.

Recommended Firefighter training courses

Firefighter Training

Academy for Health & Fitness

Limited Time Offer! |CPD Accredited | Audio Visual Training | Free ID Card & Assessment included | 10 CPD Points
- Compare
- Online
- 3 hours · Self-paced
- 10 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

Firefighters respond to fires, accidents and other incidents where there are risks to life and property. Firefighter jobs today are very challenging, stressful, and rewarding at the same time. Following a career in fire services are commendable and honourable but indeed not easy. …
£12
Firefighter Training, Fire Safety & First Aid at Work for Fire Marshal - CPD Certified

Academy for Health & Fitness

Spring Sale: CPD Certified| 5 in 1 Exclusive Bundle! | 200 CPD Points | Free ID Card & Assessment | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 22 hours · Self-paced
- 200 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

☞☞ Boost Your Career By Enrolling In This Firefighter Training for Fire Marshal Bundle To Overcome Your Challenges!☚☚ ★★★ 5 in 1 Firefighter Training for Fire Marshal Bundle ★★★ With over 330,000 fires attended by fire and rescue services across the UK each year, there is a g …
£35