Firefighter work experience

Respond. Protect. Lead.

Experience the world of emergency response and discover what it takes to help protect people, facilities and the environment at Sellafield.

Our Firefighter Work Experience programme gives young people a behind-the-scenes insight into the role of Sellafield’s emergency response teams.

Throughout the programme, you’ll work alongside operational firefighters and emergency response professionals, exploring how teams prepare for emergencies, respond to incidents and contribute to safe site operations. The experience combines practical activities, demonstrations and simulated scenarios to help you understand the skills, behaviours and teamwork involved in emergency response.

This active and engaging programme is ideal for young people interested in emergency response, public safety and operational careers, or anyone who wants to develop their teamwork, communication, leadership and decision-making skills.

This programme will take place in a building on our main site, at Seascale. Learners must be 15 at the time of their Work Experience placement to be able to obtain an escorted visitor pass for this location.

  • Emergency response requires much more than physical fitness. It relies on teamwork, communication, leadership, situational awareness and the ability to make decisions when it matters.

    During the programme you’ll:

    • Explore emergency response techniques
    • Experience fire and rescue training activities
    • Learn about first aid and casualty care
    • Discover specialist firefighting equipment
    • Take part in simulated emergency scenarios
    • Meet operational firefighters and emergency response professionals

    You’ll see how technical knowledge, teamwork and effective decision-making come together in a safety-critical environment.

    • Emergency response: Discover how firefighting teams prepare for and respond to different emergency situations.
    • Fire and rescue: Explore some of the techniques, equipment and approaches used by operational firefighters.
    • First aid and casualty care: Learn about the importance of first aid and casualty care within an emergency response environment.
    • Simulated scenarios: Put your learning into practice through scenarios designed to demonstrate the importance of teamwork, communication and decision-making.
    • Meet the professionals: Spend time with operational firefighters and emergency response professionals and discover more about the roles, skills and career opportunities associated with emergency response.

  • By the end of the programme you’ll have had the opportunity to:

    • Develop your teamwork and communication skills
    • Build confidence working with others
    • Experience situations where clear thinking and decision-making matter
    • Understand the importance of preparation and following procedures
    • Develop your awareness of safety and personal responsibility
    • Gain insight into emergency response careers
    • Learn directly from people working in an operational environment

    • Enjoy practical, hands-on activities
    • Like working as part of a team
    • Are interested in emergency response or public safety
    • Want to understand how people respond in challenging situations
    • Are curious about operational careers
    • Want to develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills

  • The programme will help you explore careers and career pathways associated with emergency response, public safety and operational environments.

    You’ll also meet professionals working in emergency response and have an opportunity to ask questions about their roles, experiences and career journeys.

    Click here to learn more about our Firefighter Apprenticeships