Apprenticeships

Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship - Level 3

Course Overview

The Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship, fully funded through the apprenticeship levy with a value of up to £14,000, is a nationally recognised programme designed to develop confident, competent frontline firefighters across wholetime and on call duty systems. The programme offers three flexible pathways: On Call Firefighter, On Call to Wholetime Transition, and New Recruit to Wholetime, enabling services to support recruitment, retention, and career progression while aligning to workforce planning needs. Training combines the option of Firefighter Foundation Development Programme (FFDP) delivered onsite at the Fire Service College’s world class facilities*, structured workplace development, mentoring, and off the job learning including simulations and digital content, covering core operational skills from safe to ride readiness and fire behaviour to rescue, hazmat, JESIP, wellbeing, and communications. Apprenticeship assessment preparation and end point assessment are included as standard, with outstanding quality outcomes demonstrated by Capita’s 93% Quality Achievement Rate and a 100% pass rate over three consecutive years, significantly exceeding national benchmarks.

*additional fees / top-up will apply

Key benefits

Develops competent, safe and effective operational firefighters aligned to national occupational standards
Combines practical, real‑world operational learning with underpinning knowledge
Delivered in partnership with the Fire Service College, drawing on sector expertise and facilities
Supports workforce succession planning and long‑term talent development
Fully funded for levy‑paying employers, with levy transfer options available

New entrant firefighters joining a Fire & Rescue Service
On‑call firefighters progressing towards wholetime roles (where applicable)
Fire & Rescue Services seeking a structured, compliant apprenticeship route for operational staff
Individuals committed to a career in the fire and rescue service
Those working or seeking to work in commercial, industrial, aviation, or military fire and rescue environments

Operational fire safety and incident command awareness
Firefighting techniques, prevention and protection activities
Community safety and risk reduction
Safe use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Communication, teamwork and professional behaviours

Certification awarded

Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Learning approach:

A blended learning model combining on‑the‑job training, structured learning, coaching and mentoring.

Location:

Workplace‑based learning within the apprentice’s Fire & Rescue Service

Residential and/or specialist practical training delivered at the Fire Service College (where applicable)

Duration:

Typically up to 24 months, including End‑Point Assessment (EPA)

Assessment:

Ongoing formative assessments throughout the programme

Final End‑Point Assessment, including practical and professional discussion elements

Trainee firefighters watching instructor

Why use the FSC?

Why use the Fire Service College operational firefighter programme

Bringing together the Fire Service College’s operational expertise with specialist apprenticeship delivery, we provide an Ofsted rated Good Operational Firefighter apprenticeship with a 100% achievement rate for three consecutive years. Our Quality Achievement Rate meets the national benchmark for the standard, and our managed, levy funded model supports Fire & Rescue Services and commercial employers to develop operationally competent firefighters through high quality, employer led training.

Entry requirements

Be employed in an operational fire and rescue role, within a Fire & Rescue Service or an organisation providing its own fire and rescue capability (including commercial, aviation or defence settings)
Be able to gather evidence against the Operational Firefighter apprenticeship standard
Meet apprenticeship eligibility requirements, including:

- The right to work in England and have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years
- Require at significant new learning and development (confirmed by a skills assessment)

Hold, or be willing to work towards, the required English and maths qualifications
Meet their employer’s operational, medical and fitness requirements

Chloe is an outstanding Firefighter Operational Apprentice who achieved a Distinction, trained in specialist National Resilience capability, and consistently demonstrates professionalism, resilience, and operational excellence. Alongside strong community engagement and fundraising, she exemplifies RBFRS values and is a deserving nominee for Firefighter Operational Apprentice of the Year

Chloe Sansom

Firefighter Operational Apprentice

The costs

Cost of the apprenticeship

£18,500

The scheme will cost £18,500 to deliver, including Apprenticeship Assessment costs.

Levy draw down

£14,000

The maximum amount of levy that can be drawn down for each learner is £14,000.

Balance you pay

*£4,500

This is the small amount the contracting organisation then needs to pay.

*'subject to RPI

Speak to us

Cohorts are run throughout the year. For upcoming start dates and cohort availability, enter your details and the Fire Service College Apprenticeships team will be in touch.

First name * Surname * Organisation * Email * Message *

I would like to subscribe to the Fire Service College monthly newsletter.

We’ll always treat your personal details with the utmost care and will never share or sell them to third parties. For more information, visit our Privacy Notice

*Mandatory

Training

Apprenticeships

Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship - Level 3

Course Overview

Key benefits

This course is for

What you’ll learn and Certification awarded

Delivery format

Why use the Fire Service College operational firefighter programme

Entry requirements

The costs

£18,500

£14,000

*£4,500

Speak to us

You may also be interested in:

Courses

Heathrow - Aviation Firefighter Course

Resilience Training