Ways to get involved
Volunteer
Volunteers make a vital contribution to many fire and rescue services.
Different services offer different opportunities, but generally, volunteers offer their skills, knowledge and time to a variety of community safety initiatives, including home safety visits, community initiatives, heritage and education events.
Join the cadets
Cadet schemes allow young people aged 13 to 17 to safely experience the day to day role of a firefighter.
Being a cadet:
- aids physical, mental and social development
- helps to develop discipline, social conscience and community awareness
- promotes leadership qualities and team skills
- is fun!
You will learn skills such as hose and ladder operation, first aid and health and safety training. You may also take part in projects to improve the safety of their local community.
Become an apprentice
Apprenticeships are paid and are open to all ages and backgrounds.
Apprentices can earn as they learn, by gaining qualifications while pursuing a career in the fire sector.
Apprenticeships are available in operations (firefighting), community safety, human resources, IT, finance and administration
Be an on-call firefighter
Other than for training, which normally lasts 2 to 3 hours per week, you will generally only attend the fire station when you are called to respond to a situation. When that happens, you will need to get to your station within a set period of time.
You will be paid an annual fee, plus an additional hourly rate whenever you are called out. Many on-call firefighters have other responsibilities, such as full or part-time jobs, commitments at home or studies. When they get the call though they are ready to protect and serve their communities with the rest of their team.
Be a full-time firefighter
Full-time or wholetime firefighters usually work 2 day shifts followed by 2 night shifts and then 4 days off duty. Some services allow for longer night shifts and shorter day shifts but will still maintain an average of 48 hours per week.
Responsibilities include education and awareness activities, rescues, checking fire safety in homes and businesses and putting out fires.