ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is now recruiting its next cohort of Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices.
For the second time this year, the Service is offering people who are new to firefighting a direct pathway into a rewarding career through its Wholetime Firefighter Apprenticeship programme.
The Service is recruiting for its newest Apprentices for three weeks, with the recruitment window open until Monday, July 27.
The Wholetime Firefighter Apprenticeships are an opportunity for people with no prior experience in firefighting to begin a new career. During the Apprenticeship, recruits learn the fundamental firefighting skills needed for a dynamic career in the public service.
After completing basic training, Apprentices continue their development alongside a watch at one of Berkshire’s fire stations. There, they respond to incidents, engage with communities and keep people safe.
Upon completion of the Apprenticeship, there are further opportunities to specialise and progress within the fire and rescue sector.
As part of the Apprenticeship, the Service is welcoming applicants from any background or walk of life, so long as they are new to firefighting.
Every application is assessed solely on merit and to the same standards.
Applicants must live within 40 miles of Reading to qualify for the apprenticeship.
The recruitment procedure follows a five-step process: from the initial application through to the final medical, prospective firefighters are assessed on their attitude, aptitude and ability to work in a team.
If successful, applicants will become Wholetime Firefighter Recruits and will be invited to complete a residential training course at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.
Mark Arkwell, Chief Fire Officer at RBFRS, said: “Over the past five years, our Wholetime Apprenticeship Pathway has been a wonderful source of continued success for the Service.
“So far, we’ve welcomed more than 100 Wholetime Firefighters through the programme with the latest cohort set to begin their training shortly.”
“The apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity for people to begin a career in firefighting, be part of an amazing emergency service and ultimately help create safer communities here in Royal Berkshire.”
To find out more and apply, please visit: rbfrs.co.uk/careers
