Become a wholetime firefighter

Q: What is the age requirement to become a firefighter?

The minimum age 17 and a half at the time of application, but there is no upper age limit. 

Q: Do I need to live within Hampshire or the Isle of Wight in order to apply?

You do not need to be a resident of Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. However, you must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to work anywhere within either Hampshire or the Isle of Wight.

Q: How fit do I need to be to become a firefighter?

Physical fitness is essential in firefighting. You’ll need to pass a physical fitness test as part of the recruitment process, which tests strength, endurance, and agility. Regular physical training is required to stay fit for the demanding nature of the job.  

Q: Is firefighting a dangerous job?

Yes, firefighting can be dangerous. Firefighters face numerous risks, including exposure to fire, hazardous materials, and extreme environments. However, extensive training and the use of advanced safety equipment help minimise these risks. 

Q: Do I need to be a certain height or weight in order to apply?

No, there are no height or weight restrictions.  There are medical requirements in terms of body fat composition, blood pressure etc that need to be met to ensure that candidates are physically fit enough to be able to safely perform the role. 

Q: Can I have a beard or facial hair if I want to become a firefighter?

There are some restrictions on facial hair. Firefighters must ensure that their facial hair is maintained so it does not interfere with personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Q: Do you store CV’s?

Unfortunately we are unable to store CV’s and require all candidates to complete an application form for the role they wish to apply for.  Please sign up to our online portal. 

Q: I am a firefighter in another Service.  Is there a different route for me to apply?

No, all candidates must apply through the same route and go through the same selection process.  

Q: Do I need to have a driving license? 

No, you don’t need to have a driving license in order to be a firefighter.  You do however need to be able to travel to our fire stations and we cannot guarantee that you will be posted to the station closest to your home address. 

Q: How much do firefighters earn?

Salaries vary depending on rank, and experience. Entry-level firefighters can expect a competitive starting salary, with opportunities for increase as they gain experience and complete their development programmes. 

 Q: Can I apply if I have dyslexia? 

Yes. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the assessment elements, where appropriate.  This might include additional time to undertake an assessment, or adjustments to the marking metrics used. Read about how we support people with dyslexia  

Q: Can people with disabilities apply to become a firefighter?

Yes, We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with mental or physical disabilities and consider all applicants on an individual basis. We will implement reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and on appointment to role wherever possible.  While being a firefighter requires a good standard of fitness and practical ability, we will support you to reach your full potential. Read about how we support people with disabilities  

Q: What is the assessment process? The application window will be open for a 72-hour window.  You will need to complete a basic online application form with personal details, information about your education, qualifications and employment history. 

Once the window is closed, eligible applicants will be sent an email request to complete some task based behavioural assessments. If you want to know more about these, please visit the Arctic Shores website:  Support For Candidates | Arctic Shores 

Additionally, any candidates who cannot provide proof that they have the relevant Maths and English qualifications will be required to undertake online assessments to demonstrate their abilities.  

Those candidates who are the closest match to the profile that has already been created will be invited to attend a fitness and practical assessment session.  You will be required to demonstrate your level of fitness prior to completion of the job related practical assessments. You will also be required to bring proof of your qualifications. 

Candidates who successfully complete the fitness and practical assessments are then invited to attend an interview.   

Once all the interviews are completed, candidates will be notified of the outcomes.  If you are placed in the recruitment pool, this is not a guarantee of employment.

Q: Can reasonable adjustments be made in the selection process?

Reasonable adjustments can be made, where appropriate to ensure that candidates with disabilities are able to give a fair reflection of their skills and abilities.  This enables us to recruit the best person for the job, regardless of whether a candidate has a disability or not.   

The task based assessments, numerical and verbal reasoning assessments can all be adjusted for those with disabilities.  For the numerical and verbal reasoning assessments the adjustment is additional time for those who may require this.  Adjustments to the task based assessments depend on the condition and can vary from amendments to the scoring parameters, to additional time.  It is recommended that you declare any disability as early as possible in the recruitment process, and ensure that you request reasonable adjustments in advance of completing these assessments. 

Q: Can you give me any advice on how to improve my fitness to ensure I meet the required standards? 

Please see the programmes and advice on the fitness pages.  You will find guidance on how to improve your fitness and health. 

Q: Where do the interviews and assessments take place? 

These are usually held at our Service Headquarters in Eastleigh. 

Q: What is covered in the medical check? 

Initially, you will be required to complete a medical form which will then be reviewed by our specialist Occupational Health Team.  They may request your consent to obtain more information from your GP as part of this.  You will also be required to attend a medical appointment which will cover:   

• General health questionnaire includes a history of physical and mental health 

• BMI (Body Mass Index) 

• Percentage body fat 

• Blood pressure check 

• Pulse reading 

• Audiometry (Hearing) test 

• Spirometry (Lung function) test 

• Measurement of your height and weight 

• Optician eyesight test 

• Drug test and urinalysis 

Q: How do you deal with medical conditions such as eczema or asthma? 

The Services looks at medical conditions on an individual basis so this will be assessed at the medical appointment and a decision made once all the information has been reviewed. 

Q: What are the eyesight requirements? 

During the selection process, you will be required to get a report from an optician. The need for corrective lenses will not necessarily stop you getting a job with us.  

If you have had laser eye surgery it is currently recommended that entry to the Service should be postponed for 12 months following surgery for stabilisation.  

All cases are assessed on an individual basis and advice will be sought from our specialist occupational health advisors.  

Q: I am colour blind.  Will that impact on my ability to do the role? 

As part of the eyesight test and medical, a colour blindness assessment is completed.  Depending on the nature of your colour blindness, it may be possible to complete a bespoke assessment to assess the severity of your colour blindness and the impact on your ability to safely operate as a firefighter. 

Q: What checks do you do prior to appointment? 

If you are offered a place on a training course, it will initially be subject to completion of satisfactory pre-employment checks.  At that point we will look to obtain references, complete a criminal records (DBS) check and you will be invited for your medical.  All of those need to be satisfactory in order for you to be  employed and your place on the initial training course to be confirmed. 

Q: What does the firefighter training process involve?

The training course runs for 13 weeks and is normally held at our state of the art facilities in Eastleigh.  The course includes both classroom learning and practical exercises, covering a range of firefighting techniques, skills, and equipment handling. You will also undergo live fire training to simulate real-life fire situations and learn Immediate Emergency Care (advanced first aid). 

Q: What are the working hours like for a firefighter?

Firefighters often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. This means working nights, weekends, and holidays. You’ll typically work an average of 42 hours per week in a structured 8-day rolling shift pattern: two-day shifts (9am–6pm), two-night shifts (6pm–9am), followed by four days off, providing a good balance of work and rest. 

Some stations operate a self-rostering crewing model which allows staff the flexibility to have some choice on when to work a contractual number of shifts over the course of the calendar year. Shifts are booked in advance and the team work collaboratively to ensure that there is the correct balance of skills to maintain appliance availability 

Q: What is the recruitment pool?  How does it work? 

If we have more candidates who pass the process than there are vacancies, we will keep a number in a recruitment pool for a period of time.  We will then look to offer those candidates a place on a training course if one becomes available within the relevant time period.   

Being placed in the recruitment pool is not a guarantee of a job offer.  If we advise you that there is a place for you on a training course we will then also have to complete all pre-employment checks (medical, references, DBS check) before confirming an offer of employment. 

Q: Can I work from my local station? 

While we aim to place new employees at stations close to their homes, operational demands and staffing needs may require placement at other locations and newly appointed firefighters may be required to rotate across several stations in order to gain a broader experience during their initial development journey. 

Every station has unique requirements based on the needs of the community that it serves, and you’ll be trained to adapt to those specific needs. Wherever you’re assigned, you’ll join a dedicated team committed to protecting communities and responding to emergencies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

Q: What are the career progression opportunities in the fire service?

Progression pathways enable those firefighters who wish to progress to supervisory or middle manager positions to gain the skills and experiences to assist them on that journey.  There are also opportunities to move into specialist roles ranging from Fire Safety Inspectors, to Operational Trainers, Equipment specialists or working on specific projects. 

Q: Do firefighters receive additional training throughout their career?

Yes, ongoing training is a key part of a firefighter’s career. This includes regular updates on new firefighting techniques, safety procedures, equipment, and medical practices, ensuring you remain at the top of your game.  There is also training available in key areas such as leadership, management, performance, talent and change. 

Q: What kind of support do firefighters receive?

There is an extensive range of wellbeing support for all employees.  This includes  physical training, mental health support, resources, and peer support networks.  Read about how we support people with disabilities