Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Fire Control recruitment.
How old do I need to be?
You must be at least 17 and a half years old at the time of your application. You need to be 18 to work the required shift pattern. There is no upper age limit.
The role title is Firefighter Control – does that mean I will be trained as a Firefighter?
Fire Control is a specialised role which is focused on emergency call handling and incident management, you will not be trained in the Firefighting role. Your expertise will be in critical communication, rapid decision making and co-ordinating the emergency response to incidents.
I want to be an Operational Firefighter. Will working as a Fire Control Operator make it easier for me to become a Firefighter?
It is important to note that this role does not serve as a direct pathway to becoming an Operational Firefighter, although the role does give a valuable insight into emergency response and the role of the Operational Firefighter.
If you are interested in becoming an Operational Firefighter, you will need to follow the same recruitment process as other non-Fire Service candidates.
Do I need to have a driving licence?
You do not need to hold a full UK driving licence when you apply, however, if you are successful, you will need good transport options to be able to travel to and from work around shift start and finish times of 7am and 7pm or to meet the response time if your contract contains a retained recall element.
Do I need to live in Merseyside?
If you are recruited onto a contract with the retained cover element, you may be required to respond immediately to Fire Control to meet the retained commitment in your contract of employment. This commitment can only be met if you have a permanent residence in Merseyside or very close to the Merseyside boundary, meaning you are able to respond to Fire Control within 45 minutes. Confirmation of your permanent residence will be required prior to the start of the recruit training course.
What qualifications do I need?
Candidates are required to have GCSE English & Mathematics Grade C / Grade 4 – 9 or a recognised equivalent as detailed by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
If candidates do not have the above qualifications, if successful they will be required to undertake an assessment and achieve literacy and numeracy qualifications during their apprenticeship program.
Is this a full-time job?
Yes - this role is either 42 hours per week or a contract of 42 hours per week with a retained on-call element.
What will I be paid?
- £28,865* per annum during the 10-week recruit training course and whilst completing the Emergency contact handler apprenticeship
- £36,937* per annum once you complete the apprenticeship and become a Competent Firefighter Control
*An additional 5% will be paid on completion of the initial recruit training course, if you are appointed into the duty system with the retained cover element.
Do I need to pass a medical?
You will undergo a medical assessment as part of the entry standards. This is to ensure that you are fit to perform the duties of the role. The medical will include hearing and eyesight checks, height and weight measurements and blood pressure.
If you have any additional questions or queries you can email us via recruitment@merseyfire.gov.uk