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Fire services are provided by every county and metropolitan council in the UK and are the main employers of firefighters. Although the armed forces recruit to these positions too, as do some very large industrial companies, this is less common. In the Yorkshire region there are four fire and rescue services -North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Humberside - and these services are responsible for their own recruitment.

Vacancies for firefighters usually appear in the local press and media and on individual fire services' own websites. Some services operate a rolling recruitment programme and welcome applications at any time, while others only recruit when vacancies arise. It may be possible to acquire work experience with some services by approaching the service direct.

The recruitment process will typically involve application and interview stages with candidates also undergoing a stringent medical. Good physical fitness is an essential requirement.

Members of support staff are also employed by fire services and the work can be in the following areas and others: finance, administration, catering, IT, supply, personnel, engineering and transport. Most of these vacancies when they arise are also advertised in the local press and on fire services' and local authorities' websites.

Useful links:

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
General details on the service, fire prevention and safety, as well as information on a career as a firefighter. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Fire Service Headquarters Thurston Road Northallerton North Yorkshire DL6 2ND

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
General information about the service and fire safety, as well as vacancy details for firefighters and support staff.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
Information about the service and fire safety, as well as details about recruitment.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Information about the service and fire safety, as well as recruitment details to both firefighting support staff vacancies.

Fire Service UK

Their website gives insights into the day to day activities of the UK Fire Service. There is information on recruitment, including completing the application form and achieving physical fitness. There is also a UK Fire Service contact list.

There is no graduate scheme at present. If you are interested in working for the Fire Service you should contact specific brigades.