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  • Benefits, Terms and Conditions & Training
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Firefighting Training and Development

Phase 1: Trainee Firefighter Training & Development Programme

On successful completion of the recruitment and selection process you will be allocated a course start date for your intial firefighter training course.

The Phase 1 course lasts thirteen weeks, during which time you are given underpinning technical knowledge and understanding in eighty-five elements which includes hose, ladders and pumps.

There is a three-week Breathing Apparatus Module, one week Road Traffic Collisions and one week First Aid Trauma Management course.

Spread throughout the course is development in Community Fire Safety work, culminating in presentations to schoolchildren from schools within the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service's area. These presentations are delivered at Handsworth Community Fire Station; which also allows the children to view the facilities there.

As well as forty technical lectures assessed by a weekly written exam, there are formal practical assessments on weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12. This is in tandem with continuous assessment for competence and regular personal development reviews.

During each course, free time is spent raising money for charity, with the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund usually being the main beneficiary. In recognition of this commitment, one training day per course may be given over to fundraising if all competencies have been achieved.

Trainee firefighters who pass out from the centre will be trained to a level of competence and safety to enable them to be able to undertake a full and active role as part of a Community Fire Station.

The training is focused to provide a basis for continuation development in accordance with National Vocational Qualifications and Integrated Personal Development.

Phase 2: Trainee Firefighter

On successful completion of your initial training course you will be posted to a station. We will endeavour to allocate you to a station near to where you live, however your contract will state that you must be prepared to serve anywhere in the West Midlands. Once at station you will be developing the skills you have gained in your Phase 1 training and you will continue to be assessed throughout this time. After a period of 9 months you will have a final assessment and if successful you will receive confirmation of your appointment. This will mean that you have completed the initial probationary period.

NVQ Level 3 Operations in the Community

On successful completion of the probation period (Phase 1 & 2) you will begin studying for a NVQ Level 3 Operations in the Community. The NVQ is a vocational qualification that recognises competent performance in the workplace. You will work towards the qualification on an individual basis and will be assessed on your actual performance in the job, on simulated exercises and on your application of the required knowledge and understanding. Achievement of the NVQ will typically take 2/3 years.

Ongoing Training and Development

It is essential that as a firefighter you maintain your competence and also receive training on new skills and techniques to provide the most effective and professional service to the community.

All employees have a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to them specifically in terms of their individual development needs and career aspirations. This ensures that you maintain your competence as a firefighter and also have the opportunity to develop the skills required for specialist roles and promotion opportunities.

Many firefighters also choose to pursue professional qualifications to degree level that may be full or part-funded by West Midlands Fire Service if considered to be job related.

Promotion Opportunities

In the West Midlands Fire Service there are real promotion prospects. To progress, you will need to develop your skills and demonstrate a level of competency in your current role before taking part in an assessment centre and interview process to determine your suitability for the next role.

Any skills gained from qualifications or experience you bring into the Fire Service may be relevant when you are working towards promotion or looking to move into a specialist role.