• You could take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services before applying to the fire service. 

Personal qualities and physical attributes are more important than academic qualifications, though a good general education is required. A degree or other further education qualifications are not essential and entry without a degree or HND is common.

There are, however, a number of vocationally-focused, graduate-entry degree courses available, such as:

• BSc (Hons) Fire and Leadership Studies at the University of Central Lancashire - in partnership with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

• BSc (Hons) Fire and Rescue at the University of Wolverhampton - in partnership with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.

These courses don't guarantee entry into the fire and rescue service but aim to equip students with the skills needed to pursue a career in the fire industry. 

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start training on an operational firefighter advanced apprenticeship. You'll need to be employed by a fire service to do this.

You could train to be a firefighter in the Royal Air Force (RAF). You can find more information at: Royal Air Force

For information on the recruitment processes click the link below:

https://www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/

You need to be aged 18 or over to become a firefighter. After successful completion of an application form, you'll go through the standard national selection process called the National Firefighter Selection (NFS), as well as a Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA) test to ensure you're suitable for the role.

Eyesight Requirements : https://www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/eyesight/

Recent Changes to the Firefighter Selection Process

https://www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/the-selection-process/

Although Many FRS’s are still using the original National Firefighter Selection (NFS) process, there are also changes being rolled out.  Some FRS’s are implementing the changes gradually, while others are completely overhauling their application process. Although this doesn’t mean that the process will be harder, it may affect the way that applicants will need to prepare.

The NFS Process

• Typically the standard NFS process includes:

• A PQA based application form

• Physical tests

• Medical tests

• Ability tests

• The final interview

This has been in place for over ten years and many FRS’s will continue to adhere to this.  Others may use parts of it but also add new sections into the process.

Fire and rescue services only recruit when they need firefighters to replace those who are retiring or leaving the service, and competition can be fierce. Each fire service recruits independently so contact services directly. The current economic climate and public sector cuts may affect the number of jobs available.

In England, there are 46 fire and rescue services run by fire and rescue authorities (FRA). For a list of services by region, see the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Wales has three services:

• North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

• Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

• South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is responsible for the whole of Scotland, while Northern Ireland is divided into four area commands and is overseen by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

Private and public sector employers include:

• civil airport and port fire services

• forest industry

• industrial fire services protecting private companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, nuclear, oil and gas industries

• Ministry of Defence (MoD) - Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO)

• Royal Air Force (RAF).

As well as on individual UK fire and rescue service websites, you can look for job vacancies at:

• Fire

• Fire Service - offers a firefighter recruitment text service for a fee.

• myjobscotland - register for alerts for SFRS vacancies.

Taken from : https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/firefighter

Promotion is earned on individual merit subject to demonstrating competence in each role and showing evidence of potential through attendance at assessment and development centres.

There's a well-structured career path, which gives real responsibility at an early stage. From the role of firefighter, career development typically runs as follows:

• Crew manager - responsible for the fire appliance and crew, takes charge of smaller incidents and provides support to the watch manager.

• Watch manager - leads a number of smaller teams at larger incidents and may have duties as a fire safety inspector.

• Station manager - ensures the service's delivery at one or more fire stations and may take charge of larger incidents.

• Group manager - responsible for the service across a geographical area (e.g. London) or a specialist department, such as training.

• Area manager - responsible for a larger geographical area or for heading a directorate.

• Brigade manager - strategically responsible for departments and supports the chief fire officer.

• Chief fire officer - responsible for ensuring effective delivery of all fire and rescue service duties.

Beyond the level of station manager, it's often necessary to move between services to get promoted.