Providing emergency support to fires and other hazardous situations
Overview
The operational firefighter was approved for delivery on 27/02/2018. This Advanced apprenticeship standard awards you with a level 3, qualification when completed. The usual duration of this apprenticeship is 24 months, but this does not include the End-Point Assessment Period.
What the course covers
Operational firefighters use their initiative and problem-solving skills to respond to emergencies quickly and calmly. Although they predominantly tackle fires and handle the putting out of fires, operational firefighters also respond to searching, rescuing, and protecting people and animals from hazardous human and natural incidents, such as chemical, nuclear or biological explosives. Firefighters respond to incidents involving planes, trains, road traffic collisions and marine emergencies.
Apprentices must learn to adopt a calm and sensitive approach upon arrival at the scene of an incident as members of the public, bystanders and those injured are likely to be confused, frightened and distressed. Other scenarios in which you will interact with the public include supplying advice and information regarding health and safety to organisations and communities and conducting fire assessments and audits in businesses and homes.
You must be willing to work as part of a team at all times as communication during an emergency scenario is often the key to a successful outcome. You will also be working with other emergency services and organisations, so a collaborative and motivated approach to working is encouraged.
Careers and jobs associated
- Firefighter
If you would like to find out more about the operational firefighter apprenticeship standard, skills, learnt, assessment methods and duties of the role, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships.
