Ready to make a real difference?
We’re always seeking courageous, committed, and community-minded individuals to join our team. Being a firefighter is more than responding to emergencies – it’s about protecting lives, preventing harm, and supporting your community.
Whether you’re fighting fires, carrying out rescues, or educating the public on fire safety, every day is different, and every action counts.
Find out more about the role, the requirements, and how to apply below – your journey to becoming a firefighter starts here!

Who Are We Looking For?
We look for disciplined, fit and highly motivated individuals who can work confidently with the communities that we serve and within highly pressured and unique environments.
To be considered, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or over
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Complete a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
You will also be able to:
- Run 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) continuously in 12 minutes or less (this is equal to running six laps of a 400m outdoor athletics track in 12 minutes).
- Run on a treadmill at 7.5mph (12 km/h) for 12 minutes.
- Perform the multi-stage shuttle run test (bleep test) to at least level eight, shuttle eight.
- Shoulder press 25 kg once in an overhead, upright seated position.
- An ability to confidently swim at least 25m is desirable.
If you’re applying to be an on-call firefighter, visit our Roles at TWFRS page for more information.
Our Benefits
Earn up to £37,675
29 days annual leave
Generous pension
Car and cycle schemes
Retail and hospitality discounts
Development opportunities
Free on-site gym
More wellbeing and support benefits
Is This Career Right For Me?
Shift Patterns
You will join a shift system where you will work four on, four off, consisting of two-day shifts (09:00 to 18:00) followed by two-night shifts (18:00 to 09:00). Alternatively, you may be based at one of our two day-crewing stations where shifts run from 08:00 to 18:00, with recall availability from 18:00 to 20:00, effectively covering a 12-hour period. Firefighters on this system follow a rolling two-week pattern: in week one, they work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; in week two, they work Wednesday and Thursday.
Your Station
You will be stationed at one of our 17 fire stations across Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside. Your commute will vary depending on your assigned station, and you may be required to cover shifts at other locations as needed. Some stations house specialist equipment, and if you’re based at one of these, you’ll have the opportunity to develop additional skills to operate them effectively.
Incident Response
You will not just respond to emergencies — you will be the calm in the storm in someone’s darkest hour. Whether it’s a house fire, a rescue operation, or a hazardous materials incident, every day brings new challenges that test your strength, skill, and compassion. The role is demanding, but the satisfaction of making a life-saving difference is unmatched.
Life on Duty
As a firefighter, you will be part of a close-knit team of seven, known as a watch, working within the Green, Blue, Red, or White shift pattern. Teamwork is essential, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses is key to working effectively under pressure. No two days are ever the same—when not responding to emergencies, you’ll spend time training, maintaining equipment, and engaging with the community to promote safety. From conducting home and commercial fire safety checks to delivering educational talks, your role goes beyond firefighting; it’s about prevention and protection.
Staying Fit
Fitness isn’t just a requirement to become a firefighter—it’s a commitment you’ll uphold throughout your career. To ensure you’re always ready for the physical demands of the role, every firefighter must pass two fitness tests each year. Staying in peak condition is essential for both your safety and the safety of those you protect.
Your Medical History
You’ll undergo a full medical assessment during the application stage. You’ll complete a medical questionnaire and undergo tests, including hearing, lung function, eyesight, grip strength, blood pressure, and drug and alcohol screening. If there are any concerns, please contact our recruitment team before you apply.
Application Process
Designed to test your physical, mental, and emotional strengths, the path to becoming a firefighter is a rewarding challenge. From the moment you apply, you’ll be supported through each step of the process, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
- Apply online by completing an application form
- Take our online assessments
- Pass our bleep test
- Complete role-specific assessments
- Attend a competency-based interview
- Complete online test validation
- Undergo medical and fitness tests
- Take part in a familiarisation day
- Receive a conditional offer
- Complete pre-employment checks
- Pass training and start helping your community!
Our Training Programme
Once you complete your pre-employment checks, you will be enrolled onto a 15-week training course at our Service Headquarters. This will give you the skills required for the role, ensuring your safety at work.
You will have the opportunity to take part in classroom and practical learning, studying elements, including breathing apparatus, road traffic collisions and fire behaviours. After each subject area has been studied, participants will need to complete an exam to demonstrate their understanding.