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?
If successful and following your recruit course, you may be allocated into role which requires you to immediately meet the retained commitment in your contract of employment. This commitment can only be met if you have a permanent residence in Merseyside or very close to the Merseyside boundary, meaning you are able to respond into a designated station within 30 minutes. Confirmation of your permanent residence will be required prior to the 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 element 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 for 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 16 weeks.
What will I be paid?
- £27,178 per annum as a Recruit Firefighter during the 16 week recruit training course.
- £28,310* per annum upon successful completion of the recruit training course as a Firefighter in Development whilst you are completing the Firefighter Apprenticeship.
- £36,226* 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.
What are the fitness requirements?
The role of a Fire fighter can be physically demanding, and Firefighters are required to be aerobically fit, have good all-round body strength and local muscular endurance. We have a number of entry selection tests which you will need to complete that are designed to reflect and assess the physical tasks that Firefighters are required to perform. You find more information about the physical requirements and other functional fitness tests you would need to complete here.
If you have any additional questions or queries you can email us via recruitment@merseyfire.gov.uk