How to become a firefighter apprentice: Sam’s story

Meet Sam, a firefighter apprentice working for the fire service in Warwick. Part of our Bitesize apprenticeship series.

I always thought I wasn’t good enough to make it. I’m certainly glad I went for it!

Why did you choose an apprenticeship instead of further education?

I chose an apprenticeship as it provided a gateway that I wouldn’t have had previously. The requirements for the apprenticeship was that you had no previous experience, and so it was a no brainer for me to apply and take that opportunity.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship for your job role?

Being an apprentice in the fire service can be demanding. I have additional workloads as I must provide evidence to support my qualification, however this does drive me to create good solid work. I have sources for material and contacts to guide me through the apprenticeship. An apprenticeship has allowed me to find a pathway into a career that I had no previous experience in.

What skills do you use?

I use many skills in my role. To name a few, they include; customer service, patience, leadership, being a team player and having an eagerness to learn.

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

It was always a job I admired from a young age and I had a huge respect for those that did it. However, it was always something I swayed away from as I thought I wasn’t good enough to make it. I’m certainly glad I went for it!

How would you describe your job?

Expect the unexpected. Every day I am learning, whether that be new pieces of equipment, increasing my knowledge on kit or improving my community fire safety skills. A typical day as an apprentice firefighter would start with my daily checks. This involves checking the water rescue kit and doing a walk around the truck to ensure the inventory and all kit is operationally ready. We also do weekly checks on our equipment, which enables me to get hands on with the kit. However, the whole planned day can be changed at an instant if the bell rings. We could then be out for half an hour to potentially the whole shift if the incident is serious.

Why would you recommend your career to others?

If you want a career where no two days are the same, like to be kept on your toes and be thrown into the unexpected, then absolutely go for it! It is a career for a lifetime with opportunities to progress through the ranks, build friendships and gain a wealth of knowledge. You will be challenged and maintain a good level of fitness too.

Top Tips:

• Don’t expect to be perfect at something straight away.
• Patience is your ally.
• Knowledge is power. Be eager to learn your kit.

What to expect if you want to be a firefighter

• Firefighter average salary: £24,191 to £32,244 per year
• Firefighter typical working hours: 41 to 43 hours per week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

What qualifications do you need to be a firefighter?

You could get into this role via a college course, an apprenticeship, a fire service training course, or by applying directly.

Sources: LMI, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).