Apprentice Whole-Time Firefighter

Details

Reference: SCC/TP/377198/2201
Positions: 24
Salary: £28265 = WT Firefighter - Trainee, £29442 = WT Firefighter - Development, £37675 = WT Firefighter - Competent, plus £1638 Surrey Allowance
Category: Fire and Rescue
Contract type: Apprenticeship
Working hours: 42 hours p/wk
Posted on: 21 November 2024
Closing date: N/A
Directorate: Chief Executive Office
Location: Reigate

Description

Firefighters come from all walks of life, and we value the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that each individual brings. If you are driven to make a difference, willing to learn, and ready to rise to the challenge, this could be the career for you.

Who We're Looking For

Do you meet the following criteria?

Age: At least 18 years of age by the start of training.
Residency: Reside within Surrey or within a 10-minute drive of the Surrey border.
Driving Licence: Hold a valid UK driving licence (manual or automatic).
LGV Licence: Willing to obtain a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence within 18 months of joining.
Preparedness: Comfortable being clean-shaven to safely wear breathing apparatus as required for operational duties.
Background Check: Free from any unspent criminal convictions.

We're looking for individuals who are ready to step forward and play a vital role in keeping Surrey safe.

Core Code of Ethics

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has adopted the national Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England. Developed by the National Fire Chiefs Council, Local Government Association, and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the Code ensures a consistent ethical approach across services in England. It underpins everything we do:

Putting our communities first: We prioritise the public and service users in everything we do.
Integrity: We act with honesty, openness, and consistency at all times.
Dignity and respect: We make evidence-based decisions objectively, without discrimination or bias.
Leadership: We lead by example, demonstrating resilience, flexibility, and accountability while challenging behaviours that fall short of the highest standards.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): We are ambassadors of EDI, standing against all forms of discrimination, promoting equality, and fostering good relations within our service and the communities we serve.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are required to apply. However, if you do not have GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Maths, you will need to complete Functional Skills Level 2 as part of the apprenticeship programme.

What It Takes to Succeed

The role of a firefighter is diverse and requires a range of skills and behaviours. Beyond physical fitness, we're looking for individuals who:

Connect with the community: Build trust and engage with people from all backgrounds.
Adapt easily: Respond positively to new challenges and changing situations.
Communicate effectively: Listen actively, share ideas clearly, and work collaboratively.
Stay calm under pressure: Think critically and make quick decisions in high-stress situations.
Solve problems creatively: Use initiative and resourcefulness to address complex scenarios.
Work as a team player: Support and rely on others while contributing your best.
Manage time well: Organise tasks efficiently to meet demands.

These qualities, combined with your commitment, will enable you to thrive as part of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

What We Offer

Joining SFRS isn't just about a job—it's about building a meaningful career while making a real difference.

Apprenticeship Programme: Enrolment in the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship, providing on-the-job training and a nationally recognised qualification.
Career Progression:
- Trainee Firefighter Salary: £28,265 per annum.
- Developing Firefighter Salary: £29,442 per annum (post initial training).
- Competent Firefighter Salary: £37,675 per annum.
Surrey Allowance: An additional £1,638 per annum on top of your salary.
Skill Development: Opportunities to grow in areas such as leadership, communication, and resilience, alongside technical and operational training.

Training & Shift Patterns

Your apprenticeship training will take place at Wray Park Training Centre, Reigate RH2 0EJ, following a Monday-Friday schedule. Once you are posted to a fire station, you may work the following shift patterns:

224 (Two Days, Two Nights): 09:00–18:00 and 18:00–09:00.
Adapted 224 (Hybrid): 07:00–19:00 and 19:00–07:00.
Day Crewed: 07:00–19:00.

You must be prepared to work any of these patterns to meet the demands of the role.

Selection Process

Our thorough selection process ensures fairness and that the best candidates join our team:

Application & Behavioural Assessment: Complete an online application and a behavioural assessment using Arctic Shores.
Fitness Assessment: Test your stamina and strength with a multistage fitness test.
Physical Role-Related Assessments: Complete practical challenges related to firefighter duties.
Interview: Demonstrate your skills, qualities, and passion for the role, showcasing why you have what it takes to succeed as a firefighter.
Medical Assessment & Offer: Undergo a medical evaluation before receiving your final offer.

Why Choose Surrey Fire and Rescue Service?

At SFRS, we protect over one million people across Surrey's 650 square miles. With nearly 700 staff, we operate as one team with a shared vision: "With you, making Surrey safer."

We are committed to:

Diversity and inclusion: Welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.
Innovation: Constantly improving through collaboration and new ideas.
Ethical principles: Ensuring fairness and equity in everything we do.

How to Apply

Apply Now Via Our Recruitment Portal to begin your journey. For technical assistance, contact sfrs.recruiting@surreycc.gov.uk.

We are excited to welcome the next generation of firefighters to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. Make your application count and join us in creating a safer community.

*The service reserves the right to close the campaign early if we receive a high volume of applications.