We have limited spaces available at each stage of the process, therefore if we have more candidates than places available at the next stage of the process, your application may be held until the following round of recruitment or availability at the next assessment stage.
When recruiting firefighters, we often get asked how the selection process works. Check out our handy guide on what to expect.
Stage 1: Online Application
There are two parts to the online application process. First of all, you will need to complete an application form on our recruitment pages. This application form will ask for your personal information, work history, references, and any training or qualifications which are relevant to the role.
Once you have submitted this application, you will receive a link to complete the second part of the application form. For this part, you will be asked to provide examples to demonstrate how you display some of the Leadership Behaviours relevant to the role of a Firefighter. It’s important you give us examples which show us what YOU have done. Our Leadership Behaviours can be found here.
Your answers will then be reviewed. If your answers pass shortlisting, then you will be invited through to the next stage.
To ensure fairness, managers shortlisting the application forms do so without access to your personal information.
Stage 2: Functional Fitness Tests
Fitness tests include:
- Equipment carry and casualty evacuation
- Lateral pull down
- Seated or standing shoulder press
- Chester treadmill run test
- Equipment assembly
- Ladder climb
- Confined space
You can find out further info and watch videos of what to expect at the physical assessments on our website here.
Stage 3: Assessment Centre
The Assessment Day will consist of an interview and then a group activity with other candidates.
The interview panel will be a senior manager and a member of the HR team. You will be asked different questions including competency based questions such as ‘Tell us about a time when you….’ or ‘Talk us through an example when….’
You may be asked a question around the work that we do as a Fire Service and how as Firefighters you take part in the wider community. Reading our Integrated Risk Management Plan is a good way to build up your knowledge about the work we do in our communities. We don’t expect you to remember everything in the IRMP but being able to talk about our wider community work will be advantageous for you.
The Assessment Centre will bring a group of candidates together to complete a problem solving task. You will be assessed against criteria aligned to our Leadership Behaviours – Leading Yourself. We’re looking to see how well you deal with problems; work as part of a team; and communicate with others. The result of the task doesn’t matter, it’s all about how you work together on the day. Remember, be yourself!
Stage 4: Swimming Test & Pre-Employment Checks
The swimming test is a 50 metres swim unaided, using front crawl stroke. This is to ensure applicants are confident and safe in water. This takes place in cold, open water conditions wearing personal protective equipment.
Pre-employment checks also includes a health screening and medical assessment, large goods vehicle (LGV) medical, enhanced disclosure barring service check and references.
Final Stage: Offered a place on a recruit course
If successful in the selection process, you will be offered a place as a Firefighter in Development on a 16 week recruit training course. You will commence a level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship programme which will take up to two years to complete. At the end of the recruit training course, you will pass out. The video below shows you an overview of the recruit course.
Please note: The information on this page is correct at the time of publication (March 2024)