At a Glance
- Tasks: Train and assess Fire Service drivers on emergency and specialist vehicles.
- Company: Join the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, over five weeks annual leave, gym access, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while developing others' skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Driver Trainer with strong communication and coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 40777 £ per year.
Location: Service Training Academy, Exeter Airport. Contract: Permanent, Part Time (22.2 hours / 3 days per week).
This role is available at two levels, depending on your qualifications and experience.
- Grade 6: £38,220 rising annually to £40,777 per annum (pro-rata)
- Grade 8: £48,226 rising annually to £51,356 per annum (pro-rata) + 12% training allowance (pro-rata)
Make a Difference Behind the Wheel
We're looking for motivated and professional Driver Trainers to help ensure our Firefighters and staff have the skills, confidence and qualifications to operate a diverse fleet of emergency and specialist vehicles safely and effectively. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in public safety while working within the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England.
About the role:
Grade 8 Driver Trainers will deliver learner, standard and emergency response driver training in line with National Occupational Standards and Fire Sector Authorised Professional Practice. You will be registered to deliver emergency response driver training and assessment, supporting operational readiness across the Service. Grade 6 Driver Trainers will deliver non-response driver training and assessments, including LGV licence acquisition, specialist vehicle familiarisation and driver development programmes. Successful candidates will be supported to progress through response driving and instructor qualifications, with salary progression to Grade 8 upon successful completion.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver high-quality driver training, coaching and assessments across a range of Fire Service vehicles.
- Support LGV licence acquisition and driver development programmes.
- Assess driver competence and maintain accurate training records and evidence portfolios.
- Promote safe driving practices and support driver risk management initiatives.
- Provide familiarisation training for new and specialist vehicles.
- Work closely with Fleet, Health and Safety, Risk and Insurance teams on vehicle incident reviews and investigations.
- Support the evaluation, testing and introduction of new vehicles and equipment.
- Ensure training vehicles remain safe, compliant and roadworthy.
- Maintain professional standards through continuous professional development and national best practice.
- Champion the Service's values, including equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Additional Grade 8 responsibilities:
- Delivering emergency response driver training and assessment.
- Maintaining National Emergency Response Register accreditation and associated CPD requirements.
- Conducting emergency response driving assessments and maintaining compliance with national quality assurance standards.
- Supporting operational response activities when required.
What we are looking for:
You'll be an experienced Driver Trainer with excellent communication and coaching skills, capable of building confidence and competence in learners while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. You will be comfortable with working independently, making informed decisions, and adapting your approach to meet a range of learner needs and operational requirements.
What we offer:
In return you'll receive a rewarding career and an excellent benefits package including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- More than five weeks of annual leave (pro-rata).
- Family-friendly policies.
- Free gym access and fitness support.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Blue Light Membership and associated discounts.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support.
- Access to Firefighters Charity Cycle to Work Scheme.
If you are passionate about developing others and want to help keep our communities safe, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 2359hrs Sunday 23 August 2026
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tony Hodge - Training Delivery Manager (Driver Training), on 01392 872293 or via ahodge@dsfire.gov.uk
The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK before commencing employment.
Our values:
- We are proud to help.
- We are honest.
- We are respectful.
- We are working together.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.
Driver Trainer in Exeter employer: Dsfire
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the health, safety, and welfare of its employees. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on fostering an engaged safety culture, employees can expect meaningful growth opportunities while serving their communities in a vital role. Located in the picturesque counties of Devon and Somerset, this organisation not only values diversity but also encourages individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to its mission of keeping the public safe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver Trainer in Exeter
✨Get Local and Get Networking
The transportation and logistics sector thrives on local connections, so don’t hesitate to hit up local job fairs or industry meetups. Chat with people in the field—it could lead to a part-time gig that isn’t even advertised yet!
✨Join Community Groups
Look for community groups or forums related to transportation and logistics. Places like Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities can be great for finding opportunities and making contacts. You never know when someone might need a helping hand with logistics!
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Part-time positions in transportation often come with varying hours, so keep your schedule flexible. Show potential employers, like Dsfire, that you’re adaptable—this will make you a much more attractive candidate!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Consider creating a mini portfolio or a simple LinkedIn profile highlighting relevant experience like driving, delivery, or supply chain management. When you apply directly on our website, make sure to include this info—it’ll help you stand out in a busy field!
We think you need these skills to ace Driver Trainer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a part-time role in transportation and logistics, make sure to highlight any previous experience you've got in the field. Emphasise skills like route planning, inventory management, or your familiarity with relevant software. If you've worked at a warehouse or have experience driving, sprinkle that in there!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications related to transportation or logistics—like a forklift licence or safety training—mention those! They could give you an edge over other candidates. Throw in any coursework or training relevant to the industry, as this shows you're not just looking for a job; you're dedicated to the field.
Balance Your Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a part-time role, make it clear in your application when you’re available to work. Companies like Dsfire appreciate candidates who are flexible and willing to adapt to varying schedules, so highlight any days or shifts that you can easily cover!
Connect Your Cover Letter with Passion for Logistics:In your cover letter, let your excitement for the transportation and logistics industry shine through! Talk about why you want to work at Dsfire, and show us how your skills and interests align with their mission. A bit of passion goes a long way in making your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dsfire
✨Master the Logistics Lingo
When you're prepping for the interview with Dsfire for a part-time role in transportation and logistics, make sure you're up to speed with the key jargon. Terms like 'supply chain optimization' and 'freight management' are going to pop up, so showing you understand them will impress the interviewers!
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
This role will likely test your ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines. You might get asked how you would handle unexpected delays or shifts in schedules. Be ready with examples from past experiences where you’ve demonstrated strong organisational skills, which is crucial in this field.
✨Flexibility is Key!
Part-time roles in logistics often demand flexibility, so share your willingness to adapt to changing schedules or workloads. Talk about any past experiences that showcase how you managed your time effectively while juggling various responsibilities – that'll definitely resonate with the hiring team!
✨Research Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with popular logistics software and tools that are commonly used in the industry. If you know of any specific systems Dsfire uses, even better! Mentioning your familiarity with inventory management systems or route optimization tools can really bolster your case.
