Anyone over 18 can apply to become a firefighter, however we are looking for people with very special skills and abilities.

A lot of the job is based around working within the community, therefore you need good communication skills. There are a range of duties within the Fire Service for all different types of people. Some roles will require a good degree of physical fitness, front line positions where you may need to use ladders, hoses and other equipment.

There are various stages of the application process and each must be completed before moving onto the next one. The different stages are listed below:

Stage 1 Application Form:
Before submitting the application form you will be asked to complete two pre-application checklists, these will help you decide whether you are likely to enjoy working as a firefighter and whether you are eligible to apply. An Online Self Assessment Test is available here.

 The Firefighter Application Form is made up the following sections:

Section 1 – Personal Details
Section 2 – Assessment of Personal Qualities and Attributes
Section 3 – Additional Information
Section 4 – References
Section 5 – Our Values
Section 6 – Declaration

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Information – this information will not be used as part of the selection process. It is for monitoring purposes only.
Before submitting your online application form, please ensure that each section is completed.

Upon receipt of your completed application form we will be able to assess your suitability for the role of a Firefighter.

At the application stage under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 you are obliged to declare any unspent convictions or criminal proceedings pending as part of your application as these may bar you from working as a Firefighter.

In line with the Data Protection Act 1998, no personal details about you will be released from the organisation without your prior written consent. All information will be treated as confidential.

Stage 2 NFS Tests:
These tests are written psychometric tests of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, numerical ability and spatial ability. Upon successful completion of stage 1, you will be invited to sit these tests at a suitable venue.

The tests involve:-

NFQ - National Firefighter Questionnaire
Understanding Information
NFA – Situational Awareness problem solving test
Working with numbers

Stage 3 Job Related Tests:
These are job related tests to ensure that you have enough practical ability to use fire service equipment, work in confined areas and are confident working at heights.

The tests include:-
Ladder Climb
Casualty Evacuation
Ladder Lift
Enclosed Space
Equipment Assembly
Equipment Carry

Also a basic medical test will be undertaken.

Please note that these tests are being reviewed nationally and may be subject to change.

Stage 4 Interview:
The interviews will be usually be held at Fire Service Headquarters in Stone. The panel will consist of two trained assessors.

During the interview you will be asked several questions relating to the personal quality and attributes framework, Click here to see- Personal Qualities and Attributes

Stage 5 References and Medical:

You will be invited to attend a medical at our Occupational Health Unit where you will be assessed by the Doctor and the fitness advisor.

 
The test consists of :-

Health questionnaire
Height
Weight
Blood pressure
Urinalysis (urine test)
Eye test
Lung function
Hearing test

You will be asked questions about your health and any disabilities or medical needs you have, the information from which will then be assessed by the Doctor.

A fitness test will be carried out by our fitness advisor as part of your medical, this assessment is a Covex test which is a cardio pulmonary assessment measuring aerobic capacity.

In line with Data Protection Act 1998, no personal medical details about you will be released from the organisation without your prior written consent. All information will be treated as confidential.

On successful completion of all 5 stages you will be issued with a contract of employment and a start date for your initial training course.