PS. From the look of the following link, it takes 8 weeks and £7.5k to train a firefighter to a reasonable and recognised level of competency. Not bad for a £29k pa job - no wonder they are oversubscribed!
Fire Service College -
There is a nationally agreed salary structure for firefighters. The starting salary for a trainee firefighter is £21,157. When full competence is achieved, this rises to £28,199. Higher rates apply for overtime.
Crew manager salaries range from £29,971 (development) to £31,263 (competent) and watch manger salaries range from £31,940-£34,961.
A station manager's earning potential is between £36,365 and £40,109 plus overtime rates, subject to the officer's level of competence. Further advancement to the role of group manager and then area manager attracts salaries of between £41,881 and £53,934, depending on the level of competence.
There are two types of firefighter: whole-time and retained. Whole-time members generally work in urban areas, whereas retained firefighters tend to cover rural areas, responding to pagers when an emergency call is received. A retained firefighter must live or work within five minutes of the fire station. Most brigades offer several types of retained contract based on different levels of commitment.
Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours. Firefighters usually work in shifts - most work two day shifts followed by two night shifts and then have four days off. However, different services employ different duty systems, depending on their needs. When necessary, paid overtime is worked.
Job-sharing and part-time work are possible.
Self-employment/freelance work may be possible, depending on shift patterns, but is more likely to occur after retirement. Opportunities might include consultancy or training.
Not bad at all - where do I sign!
