Apply to become a retained firefighter

Find out how

Firefighters waving to the camera. Photograph taken from height.

For an introduction to the retained duty system and some essential information for anybody considering a career as a retained firefighter, please see the retained firefighter homepage.

How do I apply to become a retained firefighter?

INFORMATION EVENING

We host Information Evenings on a monthly basis for anyone who may be interested in joining the Retained Duty System to provide extra information on the role. To find out more about the Information Evening please use the 'Information Evening' link on the right hand menu.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS

If, following on from the Workshops, you feel that the role of Retained Firefighter is for you, the Recruitment and Selection process will follow the six steps detailed below.

STAGE ONE

Please contact Recruitment on 01480 444500 or recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk to have an Information pack sent to you. The pack consists of:

  1. Application Form (Section A)
  2. Availability Form
  3. Diversity Monitoring Form
  4. Pre-application Checklist
  5. Worktime Availability Form (if your employer will be releasing you to attend calls during worktime)

STAGE TWO

When completed, return both the Diversity Monitoring form and Availability form to Recruitment by email or by post (details below).  Your availability will be assessed against the needs of the station to which you apply.

If sending the above forms to us by post, please address the envelope to:  Recruitment, Fire Service Headquarters, Hinchingbrooke Cottage, Brampton Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 2NA.

STAGE THREE

Once your predicted availability has been assessed you will either:

  • Be contacted and advised that your availability does not match the station's requirements at this time and that your details will be added to a holding list for your chosen station, or;
  • Be asked to attend written tests
  • Completing the application form is the start of the formal stage of the process. 

Where do I send my completed application form?  Completed application forms should be returned to the Recruitment Team.  

STAGE FOUR:

Written tests comprise of three tests:

  1. Working With Numbers
  2. Understanding Information 
  3. Situational Awareness and Problem Solving 

The written test process should take a maximum of 3 hours (including breaks) to complete and are usually held in an evening at Fire Service Headquarters, Huntingdon.

STAGE FIVE

If you pass the written test part of the process, you will be invited to attend an assessment day which will include the physical test, interview and uniform fitting.

There are five physical tests consisting of the following:

  • Manual dexterity
  • Ladder climb
  • Ladder lift
  • Casualty evacuation
  • Equipment carry.

The physical tests have been developed and specifically designed as single person tests.  The physical test process should take around 3 hours to complete.

The interview will cover the following Personal Qualities and Attributes which are required to become a Firefighter:

  • Working with others
  • Commitment to development
  • Commitment to excellence
  • Commitment to diversity and integrity
  • Effective communication.

STAGE SIX

If you are successful at stage five, you will be invited to attend a medical appointment with the service doctor. Appointment dates will be given to you following on from the assessment day.

STAGE SEVEN

If successful at stage six, you will be sent a conditional offer letter and contract (subject to receipt of satisfactory references and medical clearance).

 The date of the initial training will be given to you if you are invited to attend a written test. Initial training is a two week course which is held at Huntingdon, Monday to Friday each week, for which loss of earnings is payable should you be required to take unpaid leave from your employer (subject to conditions).