Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue are excited to announce that applications for Wholetime Firefighters will go live mid-January 2026!

If you’re driven by purpose, ready for challenge, and committed to making a real difference in your community, a career as a Wholetime Firefighter with Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service could be for you. This vital role not only involves responding to emergencies but also engaging in life-saving prevention work, education, and community outreach across Bedfordshire and beyond. 

Becoming a wholetime firefighter is an opportunity to serve full-time on the frontline. Wholetime firefighters operate on a 24-hour on/72-hour off shift pattern — one of the few fire services in the UK to adopt this approach — as well as a 42-hour weekday duty system. You must be prepared to serve at any community fire station across the county. 

Entry Criteria and Eligibility

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old by your start date and either live in Bedfordshire or within 10 miles of the county border. A full UK driving licence (manual or automatic) and the right to work in the UK are essential. Candidates must also meet health, sight, hearing, and fitness standards, demonstrate comfort working at heights and in confined spaces, and be able to swim and self-rescue in calm water conditions. A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics is desirable and will strengthen your application. 

The recruitment process is thorough and designed to assess both physical capability and professional potential. After submitting an online application — the only accepted format — candidates progress through shortlisting, written assessments in English and Mathematics, practical physical tests, psychometric evaluations, structured interviews, and comprehensive medical and fitness examinations. 

Training and Life as a Firefighter

Successful applicants begin with an intensive 14-week training programme that equips them with the essential skills needed for real-world emergency response. This training covers fire and rescue tactics, hazardous materials awareness, trauma care, breathing apparatus operations, and specialist rescue techniques. Upon completion, new firefighters continue their development on station, learning on the job and refining their skills through practical experience. 

But the role extends beyond fire suppression. Modern wholetime firefighters play a vital role in community fire safety, offering talks in schools, working with vulnerable groups, fitting smoke alarms in homes, and advising on risk-reduction measures. These proactive efforts help prevent emergencies before they occur, safeguarding lives and property across Bedfordshire. 

Apply and Make an Impact

This is more than a job — it’s a commitment to service, resilience, and community protection. If you’re ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, consider joining Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and becoming part of a dedicated team that stands ready to protect and serve every day.

For more details and to express interest in upcoming recruitment opportunities, visit the official BedsFire careers page.