Firefighters Ben Hudson, Jade Crawley, Jess Tucker and Brandon Finnigan all came through the apprenticeship.
An award-winning apprenticeship programme focused on training the firefighters of the future re-opens today.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are seeking new recruits to join their 38-month-long apprenticeship scheme.
The programme will see recruits learn on the job while completing two level three qualifications in Community Safety and Operational Firefighting.
This will be the Service’s eighth intake of firefighter apprentices since the scheme began in 2017.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: “We’re really proud of our firefighter apprenticeship scheme.
“So far, the Service has successfully seen 41 apprentices complete the programme, while 25 apprentice firefighters are currently working towards successfully completing the scheme.
“And our apprenticeship scheme has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the We Invest in Apprentices Platinum Award and we’re the National Fire Chief Council’s Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2024.”
He added: “Being a firefighter is a job like no other, a job where you’re given daily opportunities to make your community a safer place to live.
“I regularly hear people call it ‘the best job in the world’ and I wholeheartedly agree.
“People often ask what it takes to be a firefighter and I’d say it takes dedication, commitment and personal resilience.
“As a firefighter, you’ll need to be a real team player to work seamlessly with your fellow firefighters, work well in high pressure situations, be a problem solver, have excellent fitness and, of course, a real passion for keeping people safe.
“If the above sounds like you, then we want to hear from you.”
To register your interest and start your recruitment journey, please visit: https://apollo.adc.uk.com/s/apprenticerecruit2024
To help prospective candidates, CDDFRS are hosting a number of taster and support sessions.
Introduction to the Service – Online/Teams – November 5
Online Tests Support – Online/Teams – November 7
Role Related Tests – Online/Teams – November 14
General Information Session - Service Training Centre, Bowburn – November 23 – 10.30am-12pm
Fitness Support – Online/Teams – November 18
Interview Support – Online/Teams – November 21
To book a slot, email: HumanResources@ddfire.gov.uk with your full name, details of which sessions you plan to attend and a conformation of which email address you want the Teams’ invitation to be sent to.
