Firefighter

24 month programme

What will my role involve?

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.

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.

What do I need to consider?

As the role of Firefighter requires a high level of fitness there is a fitness assessment as part of the selection test. The selection test will assess if you can work in confined, possibly dark spaces while wearing a mask. Other parts of the selection tests will test aptitude to practical problem solving.

This is a two-year scheme. You will work normal office hours between 07:30-15:40, however at times may be required to work 12-hour shift pattern of 2-day shifts followed by 2-night shifts and 6 rest days. You will need to maintain a smart appearance, wear uniform, fire kit and other personal protective equipment, as well as respiratory protective equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus, necessary for work in hazardous areas and requiring the operators to be clean shaven. In this role you will be quite often working outside in all weather conditions, at heights, in confined spaces and in nuclear facilities with alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation. This role provides an exciting opportunity to explore and experience various aspects of the sites and provides great plant-based experience.

As an integral part of your apprenticeship your progress will be monitored and assessed against government standard requirements. You will compile an evidence folder, demonstrating your areas of learning with accredited certificates of completion for elements of your training. After twenty-four months of your apprenticeship, you will undertake an End point assessment by an independently appointed organisation, where you will be expected to clearly demonstrate your capability to perform as a Firefighter.

Where will my training be delivered?

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.

What qualifications will I obtain?

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.

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 by 8th September 2025.
• Minimum of 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (Grade C) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science or Engineering subject.
• Functional Skills Level 2 will also be considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (Grade C). Other equivalent qualifications may be considered.
• You will be required to hold a full clean driving licence (Class B Manual driving licence) by 8th September 2025.
• Due to the physical nature of the Firefighter role, you’ll be required to pass a physical assessment as part of the recruitment process. Part of the physical assessment will require you to achieve level 8.8 (VO2 max – 42.3 mlO2/kg/min) in a 20-metre bleep test to progress.
• Back ground information on the National Firefighter selection tests can be found on the following link: Fitness Tests – Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service (please note there will be minor differences to the Sellafield Fire & Rescue Service selection tests).