Recruitment opens for people to apply to become wholetime firefighters in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is hiring new firefighters – do you have what it takes to help keep our county safe?

Being a firefighter is more than just fighting fires. New recruits will play a vital role in promoting fire safety in their local communities, carrying out prevention and protection work, and helping vulnerable residents stay safe from danger through Home Fire Safety Visits.

When called to an emergency, they will respond to a whole host of incidents ranging from house fires to road traffic collisions, wildfires to animal rescues, and dealing with chemical hazards.

The window for those looking to start a rewarding career in the Fire Service is now open, with applicants able to apply until the deadline of 10am on October 13 by clicking here.

Sophia Perkins, aged 24,  (pictured below) applied to become a wholetime firefighter in January 2024 after wanting to pursue a career where every day is different.

After going to a ‘Have A Go’ day, she left feeling inspired that it was the right job for her.

Almost two years on, Sophia has nearly finished her course to become a fully qualified firefighter at Kettering Fire Station.

She said: “Firefighting is a career built on teamwork and public service where every shift brings the opportunity to safeguard lives and support people needing help.

“But it’s a job that’s more than responding to emergencies — it’s about protecting and preventing harm before it happens, supporting your community in meaningful ways, and growing through the strength of your team.”

She added: “To anyone wanting to join, make sure you balance your strength training with running to improve your endurance. Being physically fit is one of the main criteria for joining the Service – and it gives you huge confidence.”

Successful candidates would start their journey with the Fire Service in May 2026, joining their station in the summer. From there, they will also take on a two-year qualification course that teaches them the basics of firefighting, which will give them valuable transferable skills for the rest of their careers.

Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson (pictured below) said: “A modern Fire and Rescue Service responds to a huge variety of incidents, and that means no two days will be the same as a firefighter.

“Northamptonshire Fire plays a critical role in keeping the county safe, actively engaging with its local communities to promote safety and prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

“We’re looking for people who have the right attitude and are determined to make a difference by serving their local communities.”

To become an apprentice wholetime firefighter, you must:

• have a full car driving licence valid for the UK
• be able to permanently live and work in the UK without any restrictions
• be aged 18 years old at the start of the training course in May 2026

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service particularly wants to attract people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life to apply and help ensure the county’s Fire Service truly represents the people it serves.

If you wish to find out more about the recruitment process, including the job description, then an information pack can be downloaded here.