r/firefightersuk

I'm a student and have wanted to be a firefighter (in the UK) as my future career I've heard the path to becoming one it tough. I have a few years so I'd like to know if there's any things I can do now that will help me in the future and if there's anything I should be aware of

I registered for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Wholetime Firefighter recruitment campaign that opened in March 2026.

The last update I received said that Batch 2 had been formed and that candidates selected for Batch 3 would be contacted around August. They also confirmed that all candidates will be considered for batches.

It’s now 17 August 2026 and I haven't received a Batch 3 update yet.

Has anyone from the March 2026 SFRS recruitment campaign heard anything about Batch 3 yet, or been contacted to say they've been allocated to it?

I know the process involves over 4,000 registrations and several batches, so I'm not worried about the wait, I'm mainly interested in whether Batch 3 has started moving yet.

Thanks!

At the point where you've progressed past the selection centre (interview) and have been invited to do the medical and uniform fitting, does that mean you've pretty much got the job as long as you pass the medical and PVG check?

Hello.

Considering the alert, I was wondering how busy you guys were (compared to how busy you are normally ig). Are there more fires than crews? Are you attending calls WAYY more often than usual?

Also, was wondering what we could do to help, except from the already given guidance. Like when we see you guys out on fires.

Just out of curiosity and it’s completely down to you if you feel comfortable answering don’t answer if you don’t want to, but I was wondering, I’m epileptic supposedly, does anyone know any firefighter with the condition? I’m just curious as I’m in the process myself, sorry if it seems to intrusive I’m just curious so I don’t feel like I’m the only one

Hello. Sorry if this isn’t the right place, but I’ve tried searching online and can’t find an answer!

Outside of following the advice so there are fewer fires, how else can people help their local fire stations and crews right now?

I want to do something but not sure what’s actually helpful!

Currently stuck in a rut with my training and just flirting with one thing then the next with no real direction.

What do your training plans look like at the moment? What do you think is the best training system/plans for firefighters?

What’s the culture of fitness like in your service and station?

I am a serving firefighter so already have the base level of strength and fitness!

Hello everyone,
Just a quick question here. I have an interview coming up soon, I wanted to know if it is acceptable for me to show up in a shirt and tie, but not ware a suit jacket?

Hi all, I’ve joined a London uni recently doing a geography course whilst on a rugby scholarship at the uni. I’ve been wanting to do firefighting work for a while, most likely being my backup if rugby doesn’t work out in uni. Is it possible to work as a firefighter part time at uni or is it not likely? Should I just wait until im done to think about a career there.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Hi all

I’ve received the email today to say I’ve been placed within the talent pool for Tyne and Wear. Does anyone know what the likelihood is of being offered a position further down the line? Cheers

Guys just wondering if anybody who applied to Royal Berkshire firefighter apprenticeship has had any response from them. I think the deadline for applicaton was July 22nd or something?? So anybody had a response or perhaps someone knows when a response is due.

Thanks

Hi all, like many I’m waiting for the invite to the LFB assessment day. Could anyone who has received it already confirm if the structure and tests on the day have been confirmed as per email we received before the first physical test? Thanks

Can anyone in LFB provide an update on 24s. Let’s say I work in the second largest service outside of London and we have been shut down numerous times by the FBU, despite the fact so many firefighters want to trial it.

Retained (On-Call) and Wholetime Firefighters – what do you wish the “other side” understood better?

I think many of us would agree that there can sometimes be a bit of tension between retained and wholetime firefighters, and it definitely goes both ways.

I’d be really interested to hear what you’d like your colleagues on the “other side” to better understand about your role. What do you think is often misunderstood or overlooked?

For a bit of context, I started my career as a retained firefighter in a rural brigade and now work wholetime in a busy metropolitan brigade, while still remaining retained. Having experienced both roles, I can genuinely see where each side is coming from.

My hope is that this starts a constructive conversation that helps build a bit more understanding between us, rather than reinforcing the usual stereotypes.
As always, please keep it respectful.
Cheers!

I have my interview with LFB in a few weeks and was wondering what I should be wearing on that day? I know it’s formal but then is there such thing as “too” formal? For mean it’s suit and tie but for women what would that be, dress up pants and a shirt with a jacket ? Thanks for any input.

So I've recently gone through with starting an initial assessment, unfortunately I failed it, (don't know if it's cause I didn't have my maths grade back and driving licence at the time of completion but I now do)

I'm going to look for a random job to do while waiting for next June to apply again.

Anything I can do in the meantime to increase my chances?