Firefighter
The Work
Aviation Firefighters are a necessity at an airport to deal with any potential aircraft emergencies. They learn skills and qualifications specific to the aviation industry.
As a Trainee Firefighter you will learn the skills required to be a qualified Firefighter.
The work involves:
- Carrying out rescue and firefighting duties.
- Ensuring the effective use of equipment and resources.
- Dealing with aircraft and other fire related emergencies and incidents to preserve life and minimise damage to property.
- Removing people from danger and bringing the situation under control.
- Undertaking watchroom duties by operating radio and telecommunications equipment.
- Cleaning, inspecting, refuelling, testing and assisting in the maintenance of fire vehicles and equipment.
Skills and Personal Attributes
To become a Trainee Firefighter, you should:
- Have stamina and a high level of physical fitness.
- Have good communication skills and be able to follow instructions.
- Be able to remain calm in hazardous situations.
- Have a high level of personal discipline.
- Enjoy working as part of a team.
- Be able to show initiative and respond effectively to rapidly changing developments during an incident.
- Have courage and determination.
- Have practical skills in order to work with a range of hand and power tools and equipment.
- Remain calm and assertive when dealing with the general public.
Entry Requirements
Different employers have various entry
requirements.
- Generally Trainee Firefighters should have a good standard of secondary education and GCSE's in maths and english with grades A-C are desirable but not essential.
- You must be over 18 although some airports offer cadet schemes to 16/17 year olds.
- You must have good all round health and mobility.
- You must have normal hearing and good unaided vision and not subject to vertigo/claustrophobia.
- You must have no history of epilepsy.
- HGV Class 2 is helpful.
- You will need to pass a full and strict criminal record check.
Training
There is normally an extended training period that can be undertaken at the airport or via a 6 week residential training programme at the SERCO International Fire Training Centre at Durham Tees Valley Airport in Darlington.
The initial Firefighter training course complies with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) CAP 168 Certificate of Competency and the CAA Basic Firefighter qualification.
Training is also ongoing throughout a Firefighter's career including First Aid and Crisis Management.
How to apply
Apply direct to the relevant airport.
Opportunities
Opportunities exist at airports throughout the UK.
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