At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and engage with the community through safety events.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, a progressive and inclusive team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, gym access, and flexible shifts.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have GCSEs in Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 30384 - 38881 € per year.
We are looking for forward thinkers, keen learners, and great communicators who can keep their cool when things heat up! If you need more information, becoming a Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Wholetime Firefighter can offer you a rewarding, exciting and varied career. Our crews respond to any type of major and minor incidents: from road, rail or air crashes, floods, chemical spills and fires to rescuing people trapped in confined spaces.
Base Location: Brigade Headquarters, Stocklake, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1BD
Salary: £30,384 – £38,881 per year.
- Basic annual wage for a Development firefighter: £30,384 during the initial basic training
- Once competent the Firefighter role attracts a salary of £38,881
- Enhanced earning potential – Access to additional bank shifts at an enhanced hourly rate
Contract: Permanent (Apprenticeship-to-Perm)
Hours: Full-Time, 42 hours per week
Package includes Local Government Pension Scheme, Employee Benefits, Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health, Onsite Gym Facilities.
About Us: Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service serves a population of more than 800,000 in the Southeast of England. Around 400 Firefighters operate from 19 Fire Stations from the outskirts of London to the South Midlands. It is our philosophy to embed equality, diversity, fairness, and inclusion into everything that we do. We view this as fundamental to achieve our vision of making Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes the safest areas in England in which to live, work and travel. Our Service is only as good as its people. When our employees are engaged and supported, our Service thrives.
About You And The Role: When not answering the call for help, you will play an active role in the community through safety advice events, education activities and campaigns. You must be physically fit enough to pull ladders, run hoses and wear breathing apparatus. You also need personal skills such as understanding, reliability, flexibility and the ability to work as a team.
The Wholetime Firefighters salary is in line with National pay scales at the time of advert.
- Basic annual wage for a Development firefighter: £30,384 during the initial basic training
- Once competent the Firefighter role attracts a salary of £38,881
We run a flexible and sustainable workforce that maximises the contribution of all employees to changing service needs. All successful candidates can enhance earning potential through extra shifts. BFRS Wholetime Firefighters work various shift patterns, currently including days, nights, and weekends.
Who Are We Looking For? These are the basic eligibility criteria you must meet before you can apply to become a Firefighter:
- At least 18 years old by 10 January 2027
- Hold a full UK driving licence (must have passed test by completion of application form)
- Live within 20 miles of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes border
- Have Level 2 Functional Skills (Basic & key skills builder function) BKSB or GCSEs in Maths and English Language A* – C (9 – 4). Proof of certificates held will need to be provided.
- A confident swimmer
We Also Look For Candidates Who Have:
- A ‘Can Do’ attitude
- A keen interest in the Fire and Rescue Services
- A willingness to learn
- The ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
- The ability to work in a team environment
- The ability to achieve a good level of physical fitness
- The ability to follow instructions
- The ability to think about the bigger picture in a dynamic and challenging environment
Please Note: Applicants who have already completed a Firefighter acquisition or are working within the sector, undertaking a Firefighter apprenticeship will be unable to apply. If you are currently applying for or enrolled on an apprenticeship elsewhere in any sector, please make HR aware, failure to do so could impact your application. Please ensure you’re able to provide your GCSE/qualification certificates as they will be required to complete your application.
The Recruitment Process: There are seven steps to the BFRS recruitment process. You must pass each stage before moving on to the next:
- STEP 1: Online application link (After this advert)
- STEP 2: Online Psychometric testing
- STEP 3: Behaviour Workshop & Role Related Tests (w/c 3 August 2026)
- STEP 4: Same as STEP 3
- STEP 5: Interview & presentation (w/c 24 August 2026)
- STEP 6: Medicals & eyesight checks
- STEP 7: DBS checks, references, kit fitting (September 2026)
Note that if you are successful with your initial application, you will be required to attend a number of events – Behaviour workshop & Role Related Tests, Interview and Presentations, Medicals / Disclosure & Barring Service, Kit Fitting. Successful candidates will be issued with formal offers of employment. Once in role the qualification achieved through the two-year apprenticeship period is Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship.
If you would relish the opportunity of working for an innovative, forward thinking, progressive fire and rescue service that encourages developing a range of skills to help serve the community, then we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people of any colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability are welcome. If there are any adaptions or adjustments, we can make to help you in your application, or with our recruitment process, please contact us via e‑mail or telephone. Everyone who works for us is required to have a DBS check.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. No agencies please.
Wholetime Firefighters (Apprentice) in Aylesbury employer: Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding and dynamic career as a Wholetime Firefighter (Apprentice) in Aylesbury. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and comprehensive benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme and onsite gym facilities, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally while serving the community. Join us in making Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes the safest places to live and work.
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wholetime Firefighters (Apprentice) in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what Wholetime Firefighters do, from tackling fires to community safety events. This knowledge will help you stand out in interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a firefighter, you'll need to work well with others and communicate effectively under pressure. Try mock interviews or group discussions to sharpen these skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and ready! Physical fitness is key for this role, so keep up with your training. Show your commitment by sharing your fitness routine during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Wholetime Firefighters (Apprentice) in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for becoming a Wholetime Firefighter.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention your keen interest in the Fire and Rescue Services and any relevant experiences that showcase your teamwork and communication skills.
Check Your Qualifications:Before hitting that submit button, double-check that you meet all the eligibility criteria and have your GCSE/qualification certificates ready. We need to see proof of your achievements, so don’t leave this until the last minute!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. So, click that Apply button and get started on your journey to becoming a Wholetime Firefighter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Wholetime Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the types of incidents you might respond to and the skills required. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a firefighter, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and how you can keep calm under pressure, as these are key traits for the role.
✨Get Fit and Ready
Physical fitness is a big part of being a firefighter. If you can, demonstrate your commitment to fitness by discussing your training routine or any relevant activities. This shows you're serious about meeting the physical demands of the job.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training process, community engagement activities, or how the service supports its firefighters. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
