Could you be an apprentice with the fire service?
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week.
With almost 100 colleagues currently completing apprenticeships, ECFRS will be telling some of their stories throughout the week, to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship as the next step in their career.
Firefighter apprenticeships
Since 2020, anyone joining ECFRS as a wholetime firefighter has completed an apprenticeship programme as part of their training to become a fully competent firefighter.
This sees them spend the first 24 to 30 months of their career working towards a Level 3 qualification in Operational Firefighting. Once they complete the course firefighters can apply for an Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) Technician status.
Support service roles
With a focus on enabling employees to earn while they learn, ECFRS regularly recruits new apprentices in support service roles from HR and Community Safety to ICT and Fleet Workshops.
With over 300 people in support service roles this is an opportunity for people to complete an apprenticeship while working for an emergency service and making a real difference to the people of Essex.
These are advertised on ECFRS’ website alongside all other vacancies.
Developing existing employees
ECFRS regularly offers its existing staff the chance to apply to complete an apprenticeship to enhance their career progression.
Twelve firefighters are currently completing an Exercise and Fitness Personal Training apprenticeship, which gives them the skills and experience to maintain their own and their colleague’s fitness levels required for the role.
Jane Brown, Resourcing and Talent Lead at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Apprenticeships give people a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, knowledge and behaviours while on the job, preparing them in the best possible way for their career with us or a future career in the wider community. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, regardless of your education and experience, to join our team.
“We currently have 94 apprentices within our Service and are looking to provide more opportunities not only for apprentices but to gain and retain additional skills within our Service that our apprentices bring with them.”
Throughout the week, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will be sharing stories from current and former apprentices across the Service to give an insight into being an apprentice with the Service.
Find out more about apprenticeships in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service at essex-fire.gov.uk/apprenticeships
To sign up to recevie job alerts, including apprenticeship vacancies, visit essex-fire.gov.uk/signup
Page last updated 8 February, 2021