Firefighters come in all ages, shapes and sizes. While you do have to be physically fit, good technique can really help. Through training, you’ll learn how to tackle physical tasks correctly and, above all safely. Your natural physical build could be your strength when it comes to certain situations, like being small and agile enough to manoeuvre in tight spaces. For more on our fitness requirements visit our Fitness tests page.
This is a career, not just a job, and you’ll never be stuck doing the same thing day after day. Not only can you progress with promotion, but you can diversify your role and become a specialist within the organisation in the following areas:
As a Trainee apprentice you’ll earn a salary of £33,572 including London Weighting. Once fully qualified, which takes around 18 months, your salary will increase to £44,800.
| Role | Salary |
|---|---|
| Trainee apprentice (during 15 weeks training) | £33,572 |
| Trainee apprentice at station | £34,914 |
| Firefighter (Competent) | £44,800 |
| Leading Firefighter | £48,891 |
| Sub Officer | £51,138 |
| Station Officer | £53,831 |
| Station Commander | £57,000 approx. |
| Group Commander | £66,000 approx. |
Firefighters also receive great benefits including a pension scheme, childcare support, interest-free loans, training opportunities and a flexible working arrangement.
Firefighting’s in favour of work-life balance. While you will need to work irregular shift patterns, you may find that it actually allows for more flexibility in your everyday life. This means there is lots of flexibility for additional employment or part time study.
The current shift system is based around 4 shifts (2 x 10.5 hour days and 2 x 13.5 hour nights) followed by 96 hours (four days) off duty.
Firefighters are automatically enrolled on a pension scheme. It's called the Firefighters Pension Scheme 2015 and is run by the Local Pensions Partnership (LPP), who will contact you once you've joined. You'll receive detailed information in your contract of employment, and there's information available on the LPP website and YouTube. You can opt out of the pension scheme if you choose.
It can be difficult to imagine what life in a fire station is like. So here we have Trainee Firefighter Danny and Firefighter Leoni taking you on a tour of Tooting Fire Station. Join them for a glimpse of the tools and vehicles they use, and the clothing they wear to stay safe on the job.
A virtual tour of Tooting Fire Station