Before deciding that you want to be one of UK’s dedicated fire fighters, you must be aware of the primary requirements. To be qualified on taking the first test, you must be able comply the following:
- A full UK manual driving licence
- A UK/EU citizenship, without work restrictions or be a permanent resident of the UK
To become a fire fighter in the United Kingdom, you must pass all the written and physical tests along with passing all the requirements. Applying for a position in a fire brigade doesn’t really look for necessary degrees as your physical attributes and personal traits are more important in getting the job. However, a good educational background adds up quite as well.
If you prefer taking a fire degree courses, the schools that offer vocational degree on fire safety that runs with local fire services are University of Central Lancashire BSc and University of Wolverhampton BSc. But regardless of the courses you take, you must maintain a high to satisfactory GSCE in Math, Science and English.
When it comes to applying to your local brigade, you must be 18 years old and must pass the first step- a series of National Firefighter Ability (NFA) tests- and fill in a questionnaire that provides all the information for the officers in considering you into the brigade in order for you to begin the training.
Your primary test will consist of basic academic and situational questions that mostly includes working with numbers, understanding information, situational awareness and problem-solving. Once you pass, you have to take another test, which is the physical one.
As a firefighter you must be physically fit with no ailments and major physical and mental disabilities. Your physical strength is evaluated as the job entails rigid challenges and tasks. You must be able to carry objects that are slightly heavier than your weight. Because when you become a professional fire fighter, you might have to carry bodies or lift heavy objects in a quick manner. Your eyesight is also considered greatly on your physical test, so be sure that your vision is great. Other physical tests that you must undergo are coping in a confined space, ladder carrying and lifting, assembling and carrying.
There are times where some applicants may not pass the first physical test due to specific health reasons. Some may be assigned to work inside the headquarters in the observers unit or in the office to do the paperwork of fire brigades and managing the in-house.
Other than the first few tests, what senior fire fighters are looking for in an applicant are their personal traits. Being a fire fighter requires traits and qualities that are dedicated, concerned and determined. As an aspiring fire fighter, you must have the confidence that you can accomplish the tasks effectively with ease and precision. You must be able to get along with the community through good communication and leadership skills. Most of all, you must maintain your composure at all times, whatever the situation may be. As the rescuers in times of fire, you must be the role model in every victim’s eyes as you have to assure them that everything is going to be fine because dedicated and brave fire fighters are ready to help.
