Apprentice Wholetime Firefighter (June 2026)

Contract: Permanent

Working hours: 42 hours a week

Salary: £30,384.00 rising to £38,881.00 when competent

Location: Across Essex (you could be posted to any station in the County)

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 14th June 2025

The Role

Firefighting isn't just about responding to emergencies - it's about saving lives, supporting people in crisis and helping to keep Essex safe. We're looking for community minded people from all backgrounds who are fit, focused and ready to take on a new challenge.

At Essex County Fire and Rescue Service you'll be part of a professional, inclusive and courageous team. You'll make a real difference every day - and we'll back you with training, wellbeing support and career development.

Eligibility (Person Specification)

What you'll need - these are all essential requirements. If you apply without meeting them all, your application may be withdrawn, and you may not be able to reapply for at least 12 months.

• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Hold a full manual UK driving licence
• Be able to travel to any fire station in Essex
• Have, and be able to provide evidence of, GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, Functional Skills Level 2, or a recognised international equivalent
• Have a valid email address
• Meet our vision and hearing standards (check here)
• Be able to provide full education/employment history for the last five years

Application Process

1. Online application - submit your details and upload a CV or similar document outlining your education and work history.
2. Online assessment - a problem solving test (Arctic Shores) to explore how you respond to different situations.
3. Fitness and physical assessment - please see here for details about firefighter fitness:
4. Interview - we'll explore your values, motivation and experience.
5. Practical assessment day - team tasks, practical exercises and a knowledge review.
6. Pre employment checks - Enhanced DBS, references, medical checks and induction, including an apprenticeship skills scan.

Apprenticeship and Support

All new whole time firefighters complete a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. We'll support you every step of the way - with training, mentoring and real opportunities to grow your career.

Culture and Benefits

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees.

You can find out more about our benefits at

Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners

If you are currently in receipt of a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that taking up this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced.

For further guidance, please contact our Pensions team on or email

Safeguarding

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.

As part of the application process, you are required to declare all criminal cautions and convictions (both spent and unspent). A positive disclosure will not necessarily be a barrier to a successful application. Should you not declare a caution or conviction that is subsequently disclosed via Disclosure & Barring, ECFRS reserve the right to withdraw your application and you may not be able to reapply for at least 12 months.

You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults.

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.

This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Disability Confident

We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Applications are considered solely on merit.

Should you wish to discuss support, or access further information, from one of these groups, please contact

You are also able to raise any queries or requests for support, including any adjustments you may require, at any stage of the process by email to

About Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

You can find out more about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service via and about our vacancies and application processes via