Welcome to the Fire Sector

For young people aged 13-18 who want to build skills, meet new people, and get hands-on experience in the fire service.

Fire Cadets is a national youth programme that gives young people the chance to:

• Learn fire safety, first aid, and problem-solving skills.
• Take part in practical drills and team challenges.
• Gain confidence, leadership experience, and new friends.
• Make a real difference in their community.

This is a fun, rewarding, and inclusive programme, and it’s a great way to develop skills for the future.

Here’s Kai Macgregor’s story; From Fire Cadet to Firefighter

I’ve wanted to be a firefighter since I was young, so joining the Fire Cadets at age 14 felt like the perfect first step. I started in 2012, excited but unsure what to expect. From day one, I loved it—making new friends, gaining confidence, and learning skills like teamwork and leadership. It confirmed this was the career for me.

In 2018, I successfully applied for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service apprenticeship. I was over the moon—I finally had a route to becoming a full-time firefighter. The apprenticeship was intense but incredibly rewarding. During the first year, I completed firefighter training and gained a Level 2 fire safety qualification. In the second year, I joined crews across the whole county, learning from experienced colleagues and gaining valuable frontline experience.

Today, I’m a firefighter based at Durham Fire Station, specialising in water rescue, working at height, and currently training on specialist rescue vehicles. Alongside my firefighter duties, I also recently joined Consett Fire Station as an on-call firefighter, responding to emergencies directly from home.

Another important role for me is leading our local Fire Cadets. As an instructor, I help young people learn new skills, build their confidence, and understand the values of teamwork, accountability, and discipline. Seeing cadets grow and even become firefighters themselves is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

The fire service has shaped my life and allowed me to achieve things I never imagined were possible.

For young people who want to develop confidence, skills, and career opportunities.

Many fire and rescue services offer youth engagement programmes to help young people reach their full potential.

One example is the Youth Engagement Scheme (YES!), which supports 13-16-year-olds who may be:

• Struggling with self-esteem or school engagement.
• Young carers looking for new opportunities.
• Looking to build life skills for the future.

Through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on fire service activities, young people develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Many even gain recognised qualifications that can lead to future jobs, in the fire service or elsewhere.

See what youth engagement opportunities are available in your area.

For people of all ages who want to support their local fire service and help keep communities safe.

Volunteering with the fire and rescue service is a great way to give back, learn new skills, and improve career prospects.

As a volunteer, you might:

• Support community safety campaigns and help educate the public.
• Assist at fire service events and open days.
• Help operational teams with behind-the-scenes support.
• Develop new skills and gain valuable experience.

Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and makes a real impact.

This video from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service shows all that volunteers can do for their community when they work with their service.

For professionals looking to bring leadership skills into the fire service.

The Direct Entry programme is designed for leaders from outside the fire service who want to step into a station manager role without needing prior firefighting experience. This structured three-year programme provides:

• Blended learning – A mix of classroom, practical, and on-the-job training.
• Strategic development – Training tailored to modern fire service challenges.
• Real leadership experience – A focus on managing teams and making operational decisions.

If you’re an experienced leader looking for a challenging and rewarding new career, this could be the perfect route for you.

Find out more about Direct Entry opportunities in your local FRS.

For young people aged 18+ looking to develop workplace skills and build their CVs.

Some fire and rescue services offer paid summer internships for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. These short-term internships provide:

• Hands-on experience working in the fire and rescue service.
• Career development workshops and networking opportunities.
• Transferable workplace skills to help with future education or job applications.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and develop professional skills, no matter what career path you choose.

Check with your local fire service to see if they have summer internships.

Apprenticeships offer structured learning, combining hands-on experience with formal qualifications. Whether you’re starting out, switching careers, or advancing in your current role, an apprenticeship provides a clear pathway to build expertise.

Types of fire and rescue service apprenticeships include:

• Operational firefighter – Training in firefighting, rescue operations, and community safety.
• Fire safety inspector – Specialist knowledge in fire regulations and risk assessments.
• Fire safety advisor – Supporting fire safety compliance for businesses.
• Emergency service contact handling – Training for control room and dispatch roles.
• Fire safety engineer (degree-level) – Developing fire engineering expertise.
• Community safety advisor – Public engagement and risk reduction initiatives.

An on-call firefighter serves their local fire and rescue station on a part-time basis, saving lives and protecting those within the communities. As part of a team, your role can include attending emergency calls, working at your local fire and rescue service open days, and working as an ambassador for the fire and rescue service within your community.

You can learn more by exploring our On-call pages