First steps.

So, how do you go from being an ordinary member of the public to becoming a qualified firefighter.

Well, assuming you pass the first stage of application, you’ll start out by completing a four-month intensive training course, where you’ll be taught basic firefighting skills such as ladder safety, hose laying and the use of breathing apparatus.

We’ll also teach you about fire safety and the importance of communicating these messages to the community. This is an important part of your training and, as we continue to place an emphasis on trying to prevent fires rather than just responding to emergencies, it’s a skill you’ll build on throughout your career.

The training will involve practical tasks as well as classroom-based study, the majority of which will take place at our training centre in the centre of Manchester. You’ll be regularly assessed along the way to make sure everything’s sinking in, and if you need a bit of extra help there’ll be plenty of experienced people on hand to offer you the benefit of their knowledge.

After grasping the basic skills and gaining your first aid certificate, you'll even get the chance to experience what it’s like to go into a real fire. Our specially designed Fire House can recreate the searing heat, humidity, flames and thick smoke found in many house fires – but in a safe and controlled environment.

Once you’ve been through all that, and passed your assessments, you'll be allocated to a fire station within the Greater Manchester area. There you'll work a shift system - currently, two day shifts, followed by two night shifts, followed by four days off. You'll be on probation for your first year and your performance will be continuously assessed.