Wholetime Firefighter

Join us as a Wholetime Firefighter and start your career through a Modern Apprenticeship in Firefighting (SCQF Level 7).

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is recruiting Wholetime Firefighters, people who want to learn, grow and make a real difference in communities across Scotland. Our values: Safety, Teamwork, Respect and Innovation guide everything we do and shape how we serve and support Scotland’s communities.

We are building a workforce that reflects the people of Scotland and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and life experiences. We’re looking for people who bring our values to life, community‑minded, respectful, physically fit, calm under pressure, quick‑thinking and able to work well with others while communicating positively. You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and have the right to work in the UK.

From day one, you will commence the Firefighter Foundation Programme and a Modern Apprenticeship in Firefighting (SCQF Level 7). This includes the SVQ Emergency Fire Service: Operations in the Community and developing essential core skills in communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, ICT and numeracy. You’ll undertake intensive practical training along with real operational experience in stations and communities across Scotland. If you already have relevant experience, skills or qualifications, some parts of your training may be recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning process.

SFRS is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, for example due to a disability, medical condition or neurodivergence, please contact SFRS.WTFFRecruitment@firescotland.gov.uk

All updates will be sent to the email address on your application, so please keep your details up to date and check your inbox, including junk folders, regularly.

Please note: Places on the September 2026 Foundation Course are limited. Not all candidates will be progressed for this intake. Registrations of interest will remain valid for future Foundation Courses (dates TBC), and candidates may be allocated to a later intake as part of our batching process.

Wholetime firefighter recruitment | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

If you want to find out more, the Recruitment Information Pack and our website have everything you need.

Ready to make a real difference? Click ‘Apply Now’ to register your interest.