Emergency Fire Service Operations

Framework:

Emergency Fire Service Operations

Level:

3

---

Firefighters respond to emergency situations and rescue life and property from all types of incidents. They protect the environment from the effects of hazardous materials during fire and rescue incidents. They also make an area safer by minimising the risks, including the social and economic costs, caused by fire and other hazards.

This is a Level 3 framework which will allow firefighters to build the knowledge and skills needed to perform their job role competently.

The following skills and attributes are essential to apprentices in this occupation:

• motivation to succeed
• willingness to learn and apply that learning in the workplace
• ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
• ability to work in a team environment
• ability to achieve operational physical fitness.

 Firefighters often work under a shift based system, therefore you must be prepared to work days, nights, weekends and bank holidays as required.

Pathway options and levels

Further information

Duration

Level 3: 24 months

Progression routes

With further experience/training, you may move into more senior roles within Fire and Rescue Services, for example:

• Crew Manager
• Watch Manager
• Station Manager
• Group Manager
• Area Manager
• Brigade Manager

Progression from this pathway may also be into other roles within the Justice and Community Safety sector, for example; Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Qualifications

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Emergency Fire Services Operations in the Community.

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 3

There are no formal entry conditions for this framework, however anyone wishing gain employment as a firefighter within any of the three Welsh Fire & Rescue services will have to go through a stringent recruitment process.

Detailed below are some of the activities that will be undertaken as part of that process:

• Applicants will be put through a range of ability tests including psychological tests to assess their ability to process information, problem solve and work with numbers.
• There is a questionnaire to assess personal qualities and attributes.
• Complete numerous physical tests which assess their physical competence and their confidence and ability to follow instructions.
• Undergo a medical that will include eyesight and hearing standards.

Due to the high-risk nature of the work applicants to Fire and Rescue Services will be required to reach the age of 18 years or over before undertaking any physical tests and/or operational duties.

Applicants have to complete a declaration of any criminal convictions that are unspent (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

View full pathway

---

Document revisions