Apprentice Wholetime Firefighter – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

The Role
Firefighting isn’t just about responding to emergencies – it’s about saving lives, supporting people in crisis and helping to keep Essex safe. We’re looking for community-minded people from all backgrounds who are fit, focussed and ready to take on a new challenge.

At Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, you’ll be part of a professional, inclusive and courageous team. You’ll make a real difference every day — and we’ll back you with training, wellbeing support and career development.

Eligibility
What you’ll need – these are all essential requirements. If you apply without meeting them all, your application may be withdrawn, and you may not be able to reapply for at least 12 months.
To apply, you must:
Be eligible to work in the UK
Hold a full manual UK driving licence
Be able to travel to any fire station in Essex
Have (or be able to provide evidence of) GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, Functional Skills Level 2, or a recognised international equivalent
Have a valid email address
Meet our vision and hearing standards (check here)
Be able to provide full education/employment history for the last five years

If you need support achieving Maths or English qualifications, free courses are available through Colchester Institute.

The Process
1. Online application -Submit your details and upload a CV or similar document outlining your education and work history.
2. Online Assessment – A problem-solving test (Arctic Shores) to explore how you respond to different situations.
3. Fitness and physical assessment – Please see here for details about firefighter fitness https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/firefighter-fitness
4. Interview – We’ll explore your values, motivation and experience.
5. Practical assessment day -Team tasks, practical exercises and a knowledge review.
6. Pre-employment checks – Enhanced DBS, references, medical checks, and induction, including an apprenticeship skills scan.

Safeguarding
Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.
You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults.

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.

This role will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.