Skip to content

Apply to Become a Wholetime Firefighter

Footage taken from the 2023 Firefighter Training Programmes.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is now accepting applications for Wholetime Firefighter positions, as well as running a Firefighter Transferee process for competent firefighters.

Recruitment opened on Thursday, 21 December 2023.

Applications for Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices will be open until Monday, 15 January 2024.

Applications for Firefighter Transferees will be open until Monday, 29 January 2024.

The role of a Firefighter is varied and as well as responding to a range of incidents, it includes providing fire safety advice and engaging with local communities, through safety advice events, education activities and campaigns.

For the Firefighter Apprentice role, like previous wholetime recruitment, anyone, from any background or walk of life can apply, so long as they are new to the role. This could be someone at the beginning of their career, those returning to work after a career break or those looking for a change of career later in life.

The successful applicants will complete a residential training course lasting at least eight weeks, followed by approximately five weeks training at our Training Centre. Development will then continue when placed at a fire station.

We welcome applications from people of any background and there is no ‘stereotypical firefighter’. We assess applications solely on merit and to the same standards.

Nikki Richards, Deputy Chief Executive at RBFRS, said: “Over the past few weeks, the Service has been running career sessions to showcase the challenging and highly rewarding career of a Wholetime Firefighter.

“We were really pleased both by the number of people taking part and levels of engagement from candidates attending the sessions. With those initial sessions complete, we are now delighted to open the recruitment window for applications.

“If you missed these sessions, there is still a wide range of material available on our website to help you prepare your application and find out about the benefits of joining our team. If you’re looking for a dynamic role where you can make a positive difference to the community, we would love to hear from you.”

Please explore our website to better understand this rewarding role and the benefits of joining our team. You’ll also find details about the application process, frequently asked questions, and how to apply, by visiting: rbfrs.co.uk/WholetimeFirefighter.