Wholetime Firefighters (Apprentice)

We are looking for forward thinkers, keen learners, and great communicators who can keep their cool when things heat up. You must pass each stage before moving on to the next.

Application process

• 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)

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. 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.

Required qualifications and eligibility

• 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

Desirable attributes

• 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

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.

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.

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.