Apply to be a wholetime firefighter

Check Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service vacancies to see if we are currently recruiting.  

Who can apply to be a wholetime firefighter

Successful applicants will join our apprentice firefighter scheme. Therefore we cannot accept applications if you are:

• An existing serving competent wholetime or existing serving competent on-call firefighter from any other service
• An existing serving wholetime or existing serving on-call firefighter from any other service who has completed the first year of development but who has not yet achieved the full competent status

We will accept your application if you are:

• Not a serving firefighter (wholetime or on-call) and therefore have no firefighting experience
• Not currently a serving firefighter (wholetime or on-call) but do have previous firefighting experience either from the fire service, military or airport
• A current serving firefighter in the military or airport. If you meet this criterion, you will not be added to the apprentice course if you already have passed an apprenticeship.
• A current serving wholetime or on-call firefighter who is in the first year of your development. For on-call staff in our service, this applies to those who were pre-Gateway 1 before the transferee campaign in February 2020

If you already have a firefighting apprenticeship but would like to apply, please contact our Learning and Development Manager at jobs@norfolk.gov.uk.

Qualifications and requirements

You must have 2 GCSEs grade A* - C (9-4) in maths and English language, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Find out what qualification levels mean (opens new window) on GOV.UK website.

It does not matter where you live - applications are not restricted by postcode.

You must be at least 18-years-old when you would be due to start your training. There is no upper age limit.

Assessments and interview

When you apply to become a firefighter there are tests and assessments you will need to pass as well as the interview stage.

Find out more about assessment tests and interviews.

If you are successful

If you are successful you will be enrolled in the firefighter apprenticeship scheme. This is also known as the NFRS firefighter development pathway.

Find more information about pay and responsibilities. 

You will be required to attend a 12-week induction course.

You may be placed on a list for possible entry into the service in 2022-2023.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service cannot guarantee that successful applicants will be employed at a specific time. You should be aware that successful completion of this process does not guarantee employment.