BASIC TRAINING
1. ACQUISITION PHASE
Covers basic core skills and centres around areas including:
- Pumps and ladders
- Breathing apparatus
- Casualty care/trauma
- Road traffic collisions
- Fire prevention
- Line and Water Rescue
2. APPRENTICESHIP PHASE
Starts from Day 1 of your employment.
- Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship.
- Continuous assessment during your probationary period, lasting 24 months.
3. MAINTENANCE PHASE
Training doesn’t stop here. You are required to maintain competencies and fitness as an operational firefighter throughout your career.
The Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship
From August 2026 we will start delivering our firefighter training through the Level 3 Firefighting Apprenticeship Standard, which will be your route to competence as a Wholetime Firefighter Trainee.
This structured learning pathway is fully aligned with the Occupational Duties, Knowledge Skills, and Behaviours of the Level Three Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Standard.
Our Wholetime Operational Firefighter Trainees will complete a two-year apprenticeship programme of formal training and work-based development which provides you with the full knowledge, skills, behaviours, training and confidence to undertake the whole range of functions expected of firefighters in a modern fire and rescue service. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responds to a wide range of operational incidents such as fires, road traffic collisions, rescue and extrication, flooding, moorland fires and environmental incidents.
No formal qualifications are required to join; however, applicants must be aged 18 or over and are required to take an initial online English and Math test. Apprentices aged 18 will be required to work towards Level 2 maths and English, while those aged 19 and over may opt out in line with apprenticeship funding rules.
To achieve your goal of becoming a competent West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Firefighter you will need to:
- Complete a 16-week skills development course at our training centre
- Achieve the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Standard
- Possess a full driving license
- Pass an LGV test to be able to drive a fire appliance
- Achieve all WYFRS Firefighter competencies / standards
- Demonstrate achievement of level 2 maths and English, (Optional for 19+).
Upon completion of the training, apprentices who have successfully built their evidence portfolio and passed all required assessments will achieve the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship.
We’ll support you at every stage as you develop and move forward on your journey to competence. Through our inclusive practice approach, we ensure adjustments you need are in place from day one, (e.g. if you have dyslexia or other neurodivergent conditions) and check in with you regularly as you progress throughout your development.
SUPPORT
A team of trained and dedicated colleagues will be on hand to offer you support throughout your whole career.
