Are you curious about how to become a firefighter in Scotland?
In this article, you will discover a step-by-step guide to how to become a firefighter in Scotland.
We will also discuss the qualifications and different routes that you can take to pursue a career as a firefighter.
Becoming a firefighter is a rewarding career opportunity. It comes with a wide range of opportunities and no two days will be the same in your career.
So, if you want to choose a career that positively impacts people’s lives, and offers diversity in daily tasks then you should consider becoming a firefighter.
To become a firefighter in Scotland, you need to have specialized training and education to gather more information regarding the task.
So, continue reading this article and glance at the required information.
Who are Firefighters?
A firefighter is an individual who has been trained to control and put out fires.
Also, they are more knowledgeable about how to respond to emergencies that threaten life, property, or the environment.
Firefighters also perform a lot of tasks, including:
- Rescuing people and animals from burning buildings, or any other dangerous situation
- Rescuing people and animals from non-fire emergencies such as medical emergencies, or accidents
- Working along with the local police to keep roads collision-free
- Providing education to the people on fire emergencies
How to Become a Firefighter in Scotland:
There are various avenues to become a firefighter in Scotland. So, you can choose the avenue according to your situation and goals.
Here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
Step 1: Start With a College Course or apprentice:
You can start your journey with a college course or apprentice. It will help you learn the necessary skills that will be required in your work as a firefighter.
You can take a level 2 or level 3 Diploma course in Public Service before applying for a firefighter job.
although, this is not a requirement for applying it may make your application stand out from the others. The requirements for the entry-level in this course include:
- 2 or more GCSEs at A*- D grade or equivalent for the level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at A* -D grade or equivalent for the level 3 course
If you want to become a firefighter then you can consider an operational firefighter advanced apprenticeship.
To get qualified, you must first be employed by your local fire service. You can check their website for potential job openings.
Step 2: Achieve Relevant Work Experience:
If you opt for an apprentice, they will provide you with hands-on training and classroom education.
You will receive this training and education in a specialist school. This knowledge helps you in developing your practical skills.
If you go forward with a college program then you may be able to participate in a work placement. Also, you can search for volunteer work opportunities to get more hands-on working experience.
Step 3: Highlight Your Skills On Your CV:
When you will be applying for a firefighter job in a fire service, you need to send them a CV.
When writing a CV, you must be aware of mentioning all the relevant skills, and education relevant for the job position.
The skills may include transferable skills that you have gained through internship, volunteer work, or placements.
Furthermore, if you have developed skills such as communication skills, you can also include those skills in your CV.
Step 4: Apply To Local Fire Services in Scotland:
You should keep an eye on your local fire services so that you can know about their job openings. You can check out the websites of the concerned authorities.
Each fire service sets its own entry requirements and selection process. But most of them would likely go forward with both written and practical exams.
There will be an interview to determine whether you are perfect for the job position.
Some Other Ways to Become a Firefighter in Scotland:
Even without a college course or apprentice, there are a few ways to become a firefighter in Scotland. These include:
Becoming a Firefighter Through Volunteering:
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter in Scotland then you can consider volunteering. Also, you can consider taking on support roles such as emergency call handling.
However, this is not a direct approach to becoming a firefighter, but it will provide you valuable insight into the job role. You can also understand whether this is a perfect fit for you.
Becoming a Firefighter by Directly Applying:
You can directly apply for the firefighter job with your local fire service.
Each organization sets its criteria for requirements, but most of them usually include GCSEs at A *-C grade in English and Math, or equivalent. To apply, you will usually need to :
- 1. Pass an online test designed to evaluate your reaction in certain situations
- 2. Pass a medical examination to test whether you are fit for the job role
- 3. Be Interviewed
Skills Required to Be a Firefighter in Scotland:
Firefighter is a job role where every day is different from the other. That is why, to cope with a range of situations, you need to acquire an extensive range of skills.
These may include:
- Physical and mental strength for standing for a longer period. Also, you need to have the strength to carry heavier equipment and other activities that require peal physical fitness.
- The capability to remain calm in certain emergencies and you need to work under so much pressure
- You should know about public safety and security. You may learn this skill from a college course, apprentice, or on-the-job role
- Customer service skills to interact with the public. When you work on emergencies then you have to deal with people and during delivering presentations or training, you need to interact with people.
- You must have an understanding of dealing with people in stressful and emergencies
- Interpersonal and teamwork skills to coordinate efficiently with your crew.
- Basic IT skills to perform basic computer tasks
- Problem-solving skills to establish the safest way to proceed in an emergency
- First aid skills to treat people in emergencies before ambulance service arrive
What Salary Can You Earn As a Firefighter?
Scotland firefighter salary varies depending upon the job role, experience, and type of firefighter.
- Trainee: A trainee firefighter in Scotland earns 26,852 Pounds per anum
- A Competent: A competent earns 35,791 Pounds per annum in Scotland.
- On-call retained: An on-call retained firefighter earns 2,718 Pounds per annum
- Crew Manager: A crew manager’s salary ranges from 34,269 to 35,747 Pounds per anum
Key Facts:
- The minimum age to start your career as a firefighter is 18 years for operational firefighters
- Typical job hours per week: 40 to 43
- You may required to work in the evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
- Women are encouraged to consider fire service careers in Scotland
Conclusion:
choosing a career as a firefighter is not an easy task. To become a firefighter you will require a combination of skills, knowledge, physical fitness, and determination toward your task. Here, in this article, we have discussed every aspect of becoming a firefighter in Scotland.
You can go through this step-by-step guide on how to become a firefighter in Scotland and act accordingly. Hope, this article will show you the path toward your dreams, and destination!
