Coylton business owner makes career change to become a firefighter after 20 years

After 20 years of running his own welding and fabrication business in Ayr, Jonathan ‘Jonny’ McCutcheon made a big decision to step away from being his own boss to start a new career as a wholetime firefighter.

Jonny, from Coylton, South Ayrshire, is based at Kilmarnock Community Fire Station.

His journey into the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was not immediate. He first applied in 2016 but was unsuccessful. He did not let that stop him.

Jonny, 41, said: “I always knew I’d apply again.

“I was successful on the second attempt and threw myself into the selection process and focusing on my fitness and preparation.”

Before joining SFRS, Jonny had built a successful stainless steel fabrication business from the age of 21. While the business continues to run with support from his family, he was ready for a new challenge.

Moving from running a company to starting again, in his words, has been humbling. But the discipline and high standards he held in business have transferred directly into his firefighting career.

He said: “It is such a big change, but also, it’s been great working with a good group and starting something new.

“It works for me as I am quite regimented, but also working with my Watch, I enjoy the camaraderie that comes with that too, it’s great fun and we have a laugh.”

For Jonny, the decision to start again has not just brought a new job, but renewed sense of purpose serving his community.

He continued: “I want to challenge common misconceptions about the role.

“A lot of people think we only go to fires, when in reality, firefighters attend road traffic collisions, carry out home fire safety visits, and visit schools.”

For Jonny, being out in the community is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Training was also intense and, at times, daunting, particularly breathing apparatus (BA) exercises carried out in near total darkness.

Jonny even failed one of his early BA exercises, something he now sees as an important learning moment.

He reflected: “Making mistakes is so important because you do learn from them.”

Now settled into station life, Jonny describes the role as far more varied that he first imagined.

From specialist appliances and urban search and rescue capabilities, to hazardous materials and decontamination procedures, the learning does not stop.

For those considering a change in career later in life, his advice is simple.

He said: “Speak to firefighters, ask questions and recognise how transferable your skills may be.

“Whether you come from construction, engineering or running your own business, experience counts.

“If you’re motivated and like to learn new things, you’ll thrive.”

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient, and motivated to serve the communities of Scotland.

“Whether you are interested in frontline operational response, prevention work, or developing into specialist roles, the Service provides pathways, professional training and ongoing support to help you build a long-term career.

“Our firefighters attend some of the most challenging incidents, but they also play a vital role in educating communities, reducing risk and keeping people safe.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to find out more about what the role involves and take that first step.”

Recruitment for wholetime firefighter in the SFRS opens Tuesday, 24 March at 12.30pm until Friday, 27 March at 12.30pm. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Service website.