All new wholetime firefighters are generally enrolled onto the Firefighter Apprenticeship. This enables them to gain a qualification that is aligned to our training programmes and accredits our training through a nationally recognised qualification route at Level 3 (A Level equivalent). The duration of the apprenticeship is 24-30 months:
- There is a training and development programme that will consist of several formative assessments and then will finish with an independent end point assessment.
- The assessments will examine the learners Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
- The standard is being delivered in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College.
Further information is available at: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/operational-firefighter/
Basic Skills Acquisition Course
This is the first two weeks of training and is a non-residential course. Trainee firefighters will get their first experience of using all ladders, pumps, hose and how to work safely at heights. They will learn how to operate safely at incidents and start to work as a team in demanding situations – it’s a physically and mentally demanding course. After this, they will start on their watch on station for a period of consolidation to continue to work on these skills.
- Casualty care acquisition – trainee firefighters will be trained in the recognition and treatment of injuries, CPR and defibrillator use.
- Road traffic collision acquisition – trainee firefighters will learn about vehicle composition and new vehicle technologies. They will learn how to use our cutting equipment and incorporate their casualty care skills to rescue people trapped in cars.
- Breathing apparatus acquisition – trainee firefighters will learn about the BA set and telemetry board, and how to test and use a BA set. They will work on how to operate safely in smoke and heat. They will study fire behaviour so that they understand what is happening as they enter a building on fire.