SFRS graduation ceremony welcomes the highest number of female firefighters

A total of 68 new trainee firefighters graduated at a ceremony held at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) headquarters in Cambuslang on Friday, 17 July. This was attended by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray.   

Having successfully completed 18 weeks of intensive training, the firefighters will now begin their operational careers at stations across Scotland, helping protect communities and respond to a wide range of emergencies.  

This cohort includes 12 female firefighters – a significant milestone for the Service and a reflection of its ongoing efforts to encourage more women and people from underrepresented backgrounds to consider a career in the fire and rescue service.    

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens presented certificates to the new trainee firefighters in front of their proud families and friends. He said: “It's an honour to welcome these new firefighters into our Service. They will now play a vital role in helping improve the safety and wellbeing of communities across Scotland.”   

Statistics show that just 220 of Scotland's 3,430 wholetime operational firefighters are women – around six per cent. This compares to 14.6 per cent of the Service's total workforce of 7,556 employees, which also includes on call firefighters, Operations Control staff and support roles.   

SFRS has held a series of engagement events designed to help people learn more about the role of a firefighter, the recruitment process and training involved, including a sold-out event attended by more than 100 women.   

Chief Officer Stevens added: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is fully committed to doing more to increase the diversity of our workforce and we continue to encourage people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient and motivated to join the Service.    

“All new recruits complete the same high standards of training to reach this stage. We know that the recruitment and selection process is robust, and that training programme can be challenging, but all recruits receive outstanding support from experienced instructors as part of a strong team environment. Our trainee firefighters have been – and will continue to be – guided every step of the way to help them succeed.”   

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice met with some of the graduates and received a tour of the SFRS training complex, gaining an insight into how the SFRS prepares its firefighters to respond to a diverse range of emergency situations.   

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “I was delighted to attend the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s graduation ceremony on Friday. It was also great to see the highest number of female firefighters graduate in one intake and I wish all who are taking their first steps into their career with the fire service all the very best. The Scottish Government will continue to work very closely with the service to support new and current firefighters and of course all SFRS staff, as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."  

Among the graduates was Trainee Firefighter Isla McCutcheon from Bridge of Weir. She is following in the footsteps of her father, Barrie McCutcheon, who is currently a Group Commander with SFRS. She said: “I am inspired by watching my dad, but I also attended an information event at Bishopbriggs Community Fire Station. I met a lot of the crew, got a tour of the station and saw some of the equipment used. That also really motivated me to apply for the role.”   

Trainee Firefighter Cara Duncan from Glasgow also received the Best Trainee award for her group. She said: “The training has been a very positive and rewarding experience, learning a huge range of new skills along the way. Joining the SFRS has taught me the importance of teamwork, and I will carry this with me throughout my career as a firefighter. I'm looking forward to applying the skills I've learned and being a role model within the community."   

Also graduating was Trainee Firefighter John Eaves from Kirkcaldy. He said: “Completing my firefighting training has been an extremely rewarding journey. I have enjoyed the teamwork, challenge, and the chance to learn skills which build on my previous experience working with communities as a High School Teacher. I am now looking forward to joining my station, supporting my crew, and putting everything I have learned into protecting my community. I am very proud to become a firefighter with SFRS." 

Over the next three years, the new firefighters will progress through a structured programme of phased training and assessments. Firefighters achieve an SVQ and a Modern Apprenticeship as part of their three-year development pathway.    

The SFRS recruits for a diverse range of roles and out-with the wholetime firefighter role, there are opportunities to apply to become an on call firefighter, as well as join Operations Control. 

To learn more, visit the website: Careers | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.