A North East fire service is inviting applications for its latest firefighter recruitment course.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue opened applications this week, and says this could be the moment for anyone in the North East looking for a career with real purpose.
Successful candidates will take part in a 15-week training programme starting in January 2027 at the service's headquarters in Washington, Sunderland.
The training includes preparation for using and dealing with breathing apparatus, road traffic collisions, ladder drills, hose reels, live fire training, water rescue, Cobra Extinguishing System, trauma and first aid.
“We are honoured to invite applications for our latest wholetime firefighter recruitment course. TWFRS is proud to attract and develop some of the country’s finest firefighters", said Dave Leach, Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
The service's achievements have been recognised nationally in recent years, with TWFRS named Fire and Rescue Service of the Year by both the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards and the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards. The team say they are ready to build on that success by welcoming the next generation of lifesavers.
“Our crews wear their hearts on their sleeves. They represent this region with pride in everything they do", Dave added.
TWFRS emphasised that firefighting is open to people from all backgrounds. They say that recent recruits have come from a variety of backgrounds, including microbiology, personal training, sales and building.
More information and the application form are available at www.twfire.gov.uk/become-a-firefighter.
Clarisse Beaumont, one of the latest recruits, said: “There’s no cookie cutter design to becoming a firefighter, I proved a lot of people wrong, and now I can proudly say I did it.”
Ben Knox, another new firefighter, said: “I was inspired to join because it’s a job like no other.”
Applicants for the programme must be aged 18 or over by December 31, 2026, and the applications are open until 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 7 2026.
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