The role of a wholetime firefighter

Becoming a firefighter with SFRS is a rewarding career. It comes with a wide variety of opportunities and no two days will ever be the same.

You will develop skills in:

• prevention and fire safety
• driving appliances (fire engines)
• safe working at heights
• mentoring younger people
• working with partners and other emergency services
• contributing to an inclusive workplace and supporting your colleagues
  
  

Over time, you can advance your career, expand your skills, and specialise in areas like, such as:

• water or rope rescue
• fire investigation
• fire engineering

All our new firefighters undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in Firefighting, which is at SCQF Level 7. This is an academic qualification and a three-year development programme designed to achieve recognition as a competent firefighter. This includes:

• 3 structured phased assessments
• completion of an SVQ portfolio
• completion of ICT and numeracy core skills
• training focused on achieving operational competence
• operations in the community SVQ L3
  
  

It is a fast-paced, hands-on learning experience that will challenge you. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will have built the skills and confidence you need to succeed as a firefighter.

We will fully support you at every step throughout your Modern Apprenticeship, however you should be prepared for an intense period of study in practical and classroom settings.

SFRS is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We are committed to treating all our candidates fairly and with respect, irrespective of their background, disability (including neurodivergent conditions) or other protected characteristics.

We understand that some individuals may require more support than others in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process.

Before you submit an application, please email us at SFRS.WTFFRecruitment@firescotland.gov.uk. We will then be in contact to discuss what support you may need and what we can do to help.

To apply for the role, you must:

• Be at least 18 years at the time of application
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be able to demonstrate our SFRS values and behaviours

If you fit these criteria, you can apply. We use a two-step approach.  

Stage one

• Complete your application on the myjobscotland website.
• You will be required to input your personal details, qualifications and work history of the last 5 years. Then review and submit your application.
• If you don’t already have an account on myjobscotland we recommend you create one as soon as possible.
  
  

Stage two

• Upon completion of your application on the myjobscotland website you will be sent a link by email to complete your application questions through an AI enabled platform that will screen your application answers.
  
  

We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the recruitment process. All communications will be sent to the email address you provided on your application. Please ensure your contact details are up to date.

We also recommend regularly checking your inbox including your spam or junk folder to avoid missing any important updates.