There is no such thing as a typical Firefighter. Our Firefighters come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Firefighter recruitment...
How old do I need to be?
You must be at least 17 and a half years old at the time of your application. There is no upper age limit
Can women be firefighters?
Absolutely! We recruit firefighters on their ability to do their job.
Do I need to have a driving licence?
If you do not hold a full UK driving licence when you apply, if you are successful you will be required to obtain a full driving licence before you start your recruit training course.
Do I have to live in Merseyside?
Not at the point of applying, however if you are successful you must have a permanent residence within Merseyside at start of the recruit training course.
Do I have to be a certain height?
No - there are no height restrictions.
What qualifications do I need?
It is desirable for candidates to have GCSE English & Mathematics Grade C / Grade 4 – 9 or a recognised equivalent as detailed by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
If candidates do not have the above qualifications, if successful they will be required to undertake an assessment and achieve literacy and numeracy qualifications during their two year apprenticeship.
Is this a full time job?
Yes - this role is 42 hours per week.
How does the shift pattern work?
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service operates a number of operational duty systems including Day Crewing Wholetime Retained (DCWTR), Hybrid (DCWTRH), Low Level of Activity and Risk (LLAR) and Wholetime 224 (WT 224). Successful candidates will be allocated to work within these duty systems as required. Each duty system is based around a full time requirement of 42 hours per week. Should you be appointed to a duty system with retained cover you will also provide 42 hours of retained cover alongside your positive hours.
How does the apprenticeship work?
You'll be enrolled on a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship as part of your training. The course is formulated to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required from an operational firefighter.
Don't worry though, it's not back to school - we have a blended approach to suit everyone. Topics such as road traffic collision, breathing apparatus and fire ground skills form just part of the two-year, fully-funded development programme.
How long is the training course?
The recruit course lasts 15 weeks.
What will I be paid?
- £24,191 per annum as a Recruit Firefighter during the 15 week recruit training course.
- £25,198* per annum upon successful completion of the recruit training course as a Firefighter in Development whilst you are completing the Firefighter Apprenticeship.
- £32,244* per annum once you complete the Firefighter Apprenticeship and become a competent firefighter.
*An additional 10% will be paid on completion of recruit training if you are appointed into a duty system with a retained cover element.
What are the benefits?
- Member of Firefighters Pension Scheme, free use of an on-site gym, 30 days paid leave.
- Additional training - able to access a wide range of training to improve your skills.
- Camaraderie – the bond between Firefighters endures through tough times. As a Firefighter, you will become a part of a supportive team, facing many challenges together. These bonds will become life-long friendships.