Firefighter Apprenticeship (24-month)

Firefighters tackle a wide range of emergency situations where problem solving, and initiative is vital to resolve incidents quickly and calmly. These situations vary from tackling fires, searching, rescuing, and protecting people and animals, by sustaining/preserving their life to protecting life and the environment from the effects of fire, natural and human disasters, and hazardous materials. (Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives). They also respond to incidents involving planes, trains, road traffic collisions and marine emergencies.

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  • Firefighters engage with the work community to conduct Fire Risk Information plans for site buildings and all other areas. Firefighters work as part of a close-knit team of professionals that provides 24-hour response cover to resolve fire and rescue operational incidents. They use multi agency working principles with partners and other services to achieve a swift and successful conclusion.

    At Sellafield the Firefighters role also provides the site with ambulance and emergency medical response and various resilience and flood mitigation equipment.

  • Fitness is critical, with a selection test assessing confined-space work and problem-solving. This two-year scheme involves 12-hour shifts (2-day, 2-night, 6-off cycles) and office hours (07:30-15:40). PPE includes uniforms, fire kits, and respiratory equipment; clean-shaven appearance required. Tasks occur outdoors in all weather, at heights, and in nuclear facilities. Progress is monitored, with a final independent assessment to confirm competence as a Firefighter.

  • Site placement: Sellafield Site.

    Note: Firefighter Initial Recruits’ course will take place at an offsite venue over a 12-week period (September – December). This will be residential at the training providers venue (Mon – Fri), there will be no flexibility to take time off or leave during this period.

    Specialist skills external training may be away from work and possibly during rest days.

  • Your initial training (acquisition of skills) will provide you with a range of practical basic firefighting and theoretical skills; these will be rigorously tested over a 24-month development program to elevate you to a competent level (demonstration of skills).

    Once competent in role you will move into maintenance of skills training to ensure that your acquired skills are always maintained to the highest of operationally effective standards.

    Level 3 Apprentice Certificate ‘Operational Firefighter’ from “Skills for Justice”.

    Immediate Emergency Care Level 3 Certificate.

  • You must be 18+ by 8th September 2025, with 3 GCSEs (Grade 4+ in Math, English, and a Science/Engineering subject) or equivalent qualifications. A full, clean manual driving license is required by the same date. Physical fitness is essential, with a 20m bleep test (level 8.8 VO2 max) part of the process. For firefighter selection, reference the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service fitness test for guidance. 

  • Year 1* – £21,260

    Year 2* – £21,960

    Year 3 – £26,413

    Year 4 – £27,295

    *21 years plus – £25,959

Ava
Firefighter Apprentice
How has your apprenticeship experience challenged you and helped you grow?

This apprenticeship has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It has challenged me, physically and mentally, but the sense of achievement has been incredible.

The programme started with a 12-week training programme in Durham. It was probably the most challenging thing I’ve done in my life so far, but also the best thing I have ever done. I learned so many skills and having all of my family come over to Durham for my passing out parade was a real highlight.

I’m not joking when I say that I came into this apprenticeship as a young girl, but by the end of that 12-week programme I was a young woman. I developed so much confidence in myself.

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