Firefighting
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Firefighting like?
Studying for a firefighting apprenticeship gives you the chance to help people. Be part of a service that is dedicated to making society safer. The apprenticeship is designed to give you all the necessary firefighting skills that will help you succeed in the fire and rescue service.
There’s the opportunity to improve your knowledge about fire safety and medical techniques. Learn how to control and combat different types of fire. Discover how to safely use firefighting equipment such as hoses, ladders and personal protection equipment. Enhance your fire investigation skills by learning how to assess damage.
Scotland’s firefighting industry provides a range of jobs. Work as a firefighter and help to rescue people from burning buildings. Develop specialist knowledge in fire safety and become a fire training officer.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship in Firefighting at SCQF Level 7.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Core units of an SVQ in emergency fire service at SCQF Level 7
Work experience designed to increase your knowledge of a dynamic industry
SVQ Emergency Fire Service: Operations in the Community at SCQF Level 7
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
Take responsibility for effective performance in fire and rescue
Search for, rescue and support endangered life
Resolve fire and rescue operational incidents
Support the development of colleagues in fire and rescue
Contribute to fire safety solutions to minimise risks
Drive fire and rescue service vehicles
You will develop the following core skills:
Problem-solving
Communication
Teamwork
Time management
These transferrable skills are useful for working in other roles like fire investigation and command support.
This Modern Apprenticeship gives you a range of options. Carry on your studies with a fire safety degree or go into full-time work.
Further education: Apply for a higher qualification such as a bachelor’s degree in fire investigation. Your experience will support your university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a job in the firefighting sector. Several jobs are listed below:
Firefighter
Fire safety officer
Fire services engineer
Emergency fire crew driver
Fire engineer
Entry requirements
Due to the nature of the role, apprentices must be 18 years old to apply. The selection process is made up of seven stages:
Application
First psychometric assessment
Second psychometric assessment
Fitness assessment
Practical selection testing
Interview
Conditional offer
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
The apprenticeship will take 3 years to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.