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- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and support community safety through education and events.
- Company: Join the innovative Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, gym access, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have GCSEs in Maths and English.
- Other info: Dynamic role with various shifts and potential for extra earnings.
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! 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: 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 they are not answering the call for help, they play an active role in the community through safety advice events, education activities and campaigns. As well as being physically fit enough to pull ladders, run hoses and wear breathing apparatus they need a range of 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 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 maximizes 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, these currently include days, nights, and weekends.
Who are we looking for? There are some 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
- STEPS 3 & 4: Behaviour Workshop & Role Related Tests (w/c 3 August 2026)
- STEP 5: Interview & presentation (w/c 24 August 2026)
- STEP 6: Medicals & eyesight checks
- STEP 7: DBS checks, references, kit fitting (September 2026)
Please 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. Please submit your online application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
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 Firefighter (Apprentice) employer: Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wholetime Firefighter (Apprentice)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what a Wholetime Firefighter does and the skills needed. This will help you shine during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's through mock interviews or chatting with friends, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Remember, you’ll need to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and ready! Physical fitness is crucial for this role, so keep up with your training. Show that you can handle the physical demands of firefighting by incorporating fitness into your daily routine.
✨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 Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service team!
We think you need these skills to ace Wholetime Firefighter (Apprentice)
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 passion for firefighting and community service.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that showcase your ability to keep calm under pressure!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our website to avoid any last-minute hiccups and ensure your chance at this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue
✨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 face and the skills required. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨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 they’re looking for.
✨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 that you take the physical demands of the job seriously.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training process, community engagement initiatives, or how they support ongoing development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.