Firefighter Apprenticeship Review

An apprenticeship in Fire and Rescue involves continuingly training and improving upon the skills we have developed over the course so far, we practice drills and take part in realistic scenarios to prepare for real world jobs, we maintain and care for equipment and ensure logging is done appropriately and revise for examinations.

I have developed many hands on skills, being able to use hydraulic systems, rope climbing equipment, water rescue equipment, working on pumps and improving mechanical skills. The development of excellent communications is a must in this role and to be able to take part as a leader and as a team member is crucial.

This programme could not be better suited towards me; it ticks both a physical and academic box. This allows me to improve on my fitness levels and utilise my fitness towards a goal of helping others, on an academic front there is so much to learn in regards to handling situations and understanding equipment.

The structure of the programme is focused. There are allocated times for fitness sessions, academic sessions including giving presentations regarding equipment and also taking part in drills to improve skills, ensure the retention of information and practical skills and to ensure we stay on track within the workbooks and apprenticeship criteria.

A lot of support is given by my employer, including workbooks and website revision tools, many meetings to ensure the correct progressions are being met and that the course is enjoyable and helping us to achieve the goals necessary. I never feel like there is a question we can not ask and my manager could not be more helpful.

The beginning of the course was performed with Cumbria Fire & Rescue, this course was strict and focused and also helpful in being able to see how other stations and fire fighters undergo their daily routines. The support offered throughout the course was exceptional, upon returning to the workplace the support has remained excellent.

Working on the 12 week course attending Workington and Penrith fire station was a brilliant provision to us, being able to learn and develop the essential skills at a very fast rate. The skills learnt are the essentials towards our job, with specialist days spent on Rope Rescue, Road Traffic Collisions, Immediate Emergency Care and Swift water rescues.

There is charity work performed throughout the site and the ability to join unions and take part of groups and take on extra roles. There are sports teams outside of work and we are encouraged to perform training and other activities outside of work, there are often courses that multiple groups attend which is a great way for us to interact.

Yes

The job role is brilliant, you provide a difference within the community making the area a safer place to live and work in. The jobs we do outside of the main role of Fire and Rescue are also enjoyable with a great transfer to out of work life including the use of tools and being able to think on your feet. There is never a dull day.

Ensure that your fitness levels are at a high level, ensure that you sow you are devoted to becoming the best you can be and that you can demonstrate a high level of determination. I would advise you to join the retained services for your local firestation first and also to discuss and ask for help from other firefighters.