Fire Apprentice

Summary

Airport Firefighter Apprentice  

• Fire Service at London Stansted Airport 
• Fixed Term Contract for length of apprenticeship leading to permanent employment 
• £23,386 rising to £29.232 after 12 months + 17.5% shift allowance 
• Shift pattern will be covering a 24hour 365-day operation using a 12hour duty shift pattern. 

Why MAG?

Every year, London Stansted Airport connects over 28 million passengers with more than 190 destinations across the globe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, London Stansted Airport supports over 11,600 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region. 

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including: 

• Fully funded training and support from the business 
• 6% company contribution pension 
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays 
• Free parking 
• Subsidised public transport 
• Huge range of company discounts

The role

Reporting to the Crew Leader or Watch Manager, you will carry out the day-to-day activities required to maintain a fully effective Fire Service in order to save life and to protect property in line with company standards and licensing requirements.  

• Dealing with emergency situations in accordance with laid down regulations and procedures and undertaking firefighting duties as deemed necessary to save life and protect property.  
• Regularly communicating with and update the Sector or Incident Commander. 
• Efficiently mobilising resources required in responding to emergency incidents. 
• Maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external bodies by applying the agreed policies, procedures and working practices when attending domestic or major Aircraft incidents. 
• Proposing recommendations for improvements to ensure an effective and integrated response to emergency situations.  
• Maintaining the required level of professional competence as specified by the regulator in accordance with CAP 699 to uphold the airport licence. 
• Maintaining equipment for operational readiness to specified standards to meet internal and external audit requirements. 
• Promoting and adopting safe working practices and ensuring that PPE and operational kit is fit for purpose, whilst working and complying with all safety management systems. 

About the Apprenticeship

• Apprentices will attend an 10-week residential course, Monday to Friday, at the Fire Service College in Moreton-on-the-Marsh, Gloucestershire - click here for more information. 
• Training will be a mix of practical and classroom-based learning, accommodation and meals will be provided. 
• The Level 3 Operational Firefighter program includes the internationally recognised Firefighter Foundation Development Programme (FFDP) from the Fire Service College (FSC). 
• Apprentice Firefighters will also be trained to Civil Aviation Authority standards to undertake operational firefighter duties at UK Airports - Aviation Firefighter Conversion (fireservicecollege.ac.uk) 
• Successful apprentices will receive a certificate of their professional qualification for completing the FSC FFDP, and they will be eligible for professional registration with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) at Technician (TIFireE) Level. 

What will make you successful in the role?

We’re actively encouraging all genders and backgrounds to apply for this role. Although physical fitness is integral to this role, other skills are vitally important. To become an Aviation Firefighter, you need skills such as attention to detail, good organisational abilities, and the ability to work without supervision, while still delivering work on time.  

Personal qualities like being open to change, promoting a safe working environment, and taking pride in your appearance are also important. Additionally, having practical abilities, being a strong communicator, and being able to remain calm under pressure are essential. 

To be eligible for the firefighter apprentice position, there are also some minimum requirements you need to meet: 

• Minimum age - 18 years old 
• UK resident for the last 3 years to be eligible for government funding 
• No previous Fire Service experience to be eligible for government funding 
• 5 x GCSE's grades 4 or above including Maths & English 
• Valid Full UK Driving Licence 
• Meets CAA/MAG medical standards  
• Pass entry and subsequent fitness assessments including tests for vertigo and claustrophobia  
• Pass required disclosure and back-ground checks 

As part of the application process, you will also need to meet certain health and fitness requirements. Here are the specific tests you will need to pass: 

• Hearing test 
• Lung function 
• Eye test (normal colour vision required) 
• Physical stamina test 
• General tests based on your medical questionnaire 

Dates for your Diary

• Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2025 - Open Days at London Stansted Fire Station - register your interest to attend one of our open days to find out more about becoming an aviation firefighter here.
• Saturday 31st May 2025 - Closing Date for applications
• Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th August 2025 - Theory assessments at London Stansted Airport
• Wednesday 6th - Friday 15th August 2025 - Practical assessments at London Stansted Airport
• Monday 18th-Friday 22nd August 2025 - Interviews at London Stansted Airport
• September 2025 - 8 successful candidates will be offered Airport Fire Service Apprentice positions
• January 2026 - Start Date