To become a Fire Fighter in the uk is a highly rewarding experience. A different challenge each day with exciting and varied work that really makes a difference. How to become a Fire Fighter in the uk? Well that is quite a challenge in itself. Hundreds of men and women apply each year to become a Fire Fighter in the uk. The reality is that the majority are unsuccessful. The common theme with those that were successful revolves around putting a great deal of effort, preparation, and research time in before they applied to become a Fire Fighter. Many serving Fire Fighters took a number of years to get their dream job in the Fire Service. Being one step ahead is the key, better prepared than the next applicant, and knowing what to expect having practiced and trained for the recruitment process.
The recruitment process is quite involved to say the least. Now a National standardised recruitment procedure is in place for all applicants applying to become a Firefighter all over the UK. This is a welcome change that levels the playing field for all applicants and gives each and every potential Fire Fighter recruit a fair chance at the process radio strap.
The requirements to become a Firefighter in the uk are pretty easy. You need to have a good level of physical fitness and be in good health. You need a reasonable standard of eyesight and colour perception. Some forms of slight colour blindness are accepted. You also have to be over 18 years old upon starting the job, however, you can apply from 17 years and ten months old. You will be considered in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act if you have no unspent convictions. Every case is considered on its own circumstances should you be successful in the application process to become a Fire Fighter in the uk.
Entry tests to become a Fire Fighter include written tests, physical fitness tests, practical tests, an interview and a medical and eyesight test. To move on to the next stage you must pass the stage before. There are five stages in the process to become a Fire Fighter in the uk: – Completion of the Fire Service Application form – this is a very detailed application form measured against a national standard of Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA’s). The PQA’s are a set of competencies judged to be those of an acceptable level for the role of a UK Firefighter.
The next stage is the Firefighter Psychological tests -this requires a number of written psychometric tests to be carried out. They include the National Firefighter questionnaire, a test on working with numbers, one on understanding information, and situational awareness and problem solving test.
If you are successful at the Psychological tests you will then undertake the Fire Service Fitness Test – a number of tests that judge your level of fitness and ability to become a firefighter. The role of a UK Fire Fighter is both physically and mentally demanding and a high level of fitness is required.
The following stage is the Fire Service Interview – an interview lasting for around an hour that is based around questions to assess your suitability to become a Firefighter using the PQA’s as a benchmark for the questions posed. Finally the Fire Service Medical and Eyesight tests – where you will undergo a full medical examination by the Occupational Health Department. This is an assessment of your medical and eyesight fitness to do the role of Fire Fighter in the uk. When you have been successful at all of the stages you will be made an offer of conditional employment subject to references being taken up and Criminal records checks.