Why work in Fire Protection?

Career development
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  • Qualify whilst in employment.
  • Receive a clear progression pathway with early promotion opportunities. (See structure)
  • Career satisfaction. 
  • Excellent pay and benefits from entry-level. 
  • Training and development opportunities.
  • Gain nationally recognised qualifications as part of your training. 
  • A technical function where you can put your skills and knowledge to use on a daily basis.
Build unique experiences
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  • Work in all types of locations e.g. behind the scenes at music venues and sporting events.
  • Work alongside high-performing colleagues; with purpose.
  • Be a part of a strong community. 
  • Enjoy a varied workload, where no two days are the same.
Play a part in keeping your community safe
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  • Protect and service your community. 
  • Help vulnerable people. 
  • Have an impact on fire reduction and safety. The number of fires has reduced over the years, help us to continue this trend. 
  • Improve public spaces and prosecute or prohibit those in the wrong. 
  • Save lives! 
Career opportunities and qualifications
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The landscape of fire safety is changing. Amendments are being made to Fire Safety legislation, and it is firmly on the agenda of central government. This means it is an exciting time to join us and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by a career in fire safety with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

You will enter the team as a trainee Business Fire Safety Advisor, during which time you will be supported to achieve your Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety as well as benefit from an array of in-house training. This is a vital role in the department, as you will be our eyes and ears on the ground and our first port of call with members of the public as you provide advice on fire safety in premises throughout the county. Read more about the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety here.

Whilst opportunities will arise to progress within the team, there is no pressure to do so, and you may decide to remain a Business Fire Safety Advisor where you would continue to play a vital role. You can also take the opportunity to develop your knowledge further by undertaking the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety. Read more about the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety here.

Should you wish to progress your career, there will be opportunities for the right candidates to become fully qualified Fire Safety Inspectors. This will mean undertaking a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, whilst again being fully supported in your studies to do so. This is a nationally recognised qualification and a requirement for Inspectors in brigades across the country. Read more about the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety here.
 

Upon completion of the Level 4 Diploma, in-house training workbooks, and legal qualifications, you will be fully qualified to undertake audits in all relevant premises and take the necessary enforcement action. This could entail anything from providing advice to carrying out a full investigation for a potential prosecution. In addition, you will have the skills necessary to consult on planning applications for new builds and material alterations to existing buildings, helping shape the way the county looks and helping to ensure that buildings are safe before they are ever occupied. 

At this point, you would have all the mandatory qualifications to carry out the role of a Fire Safety Officer. However, opportunities to develop would not end there. We currently have a cohort undertaking the Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineer Design (Technician) to take their knowledge to the next level. 

Where there is a business case, and the candidate has shown an exceptional aptitude for fire safety and engineering, there may arise the opportunity to undertake a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Fire Safety with an accredited university. It is envisaged that this role will become more common in fire services due to the changing landscape of fire safety and how high-risk, complex buildings will be managed all the way from the planning stage.

Testimonials

"I joined Fire Safety in 2008 after my dad (a Watch Manager in Fire Safety) told me Fire Safety was the best place to work. I trained as a fire safety inspector dealing with all types of commercial premises, surrounded by some fantastic mentors. 

Having spent time with the Fire Engineering team I knew this was where I wanted my career to head. My current role involves ensuring new and refurbished buildings meet the fire safety requirements of both the Building Regulations and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. I liaise with architects, developers, building control bodies, and fire engineers to ensure the buildings are or will be safe for occupation. This is a vital part of the development process as it offers the chance to get a building right from the outset.

Having asked to be considered for a degree in previous PDR’s I was delighted that in 2019 this was agreed. I started my Bachelors in Fire Engineering in 2020 on a part-time basis at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. This involves attending campus for four, two-week blocks of lectures each year and plenty of study in my own time in between. The support from everyone in the department has been immeasurable. I am looking forward to graduating this year and seeing what the unprecedented changes in the fire safety landscape will bring.”

-Beckie Walton, Fire Engineer

Beckie Walton Photo
Beckie Walton Photo