Fire and rescue service apprenticeships

Conference notes that increasing numbers of Fire Services are looking to adopt apprenticeship schemes leading to direct entry into a firefighter role. While this is an opportunity to secure and protect future establishments and save resources on Fire Service recruitment in the long term, it is important that our Union Officials are engaging with Fire Service Managers to ensure the best terms and conditions for apprentices.

Also as important is the recognition that apprenticeships can be an important tool in addressing the lack of diversity that still blights UK FRSs. The right outreach strategy for advertising apprenticeships has the potential to ensure that all Members of our communities can be made aware of this opportunity for a career in the operational Fire Service.

Conference calls upon the Executive Council, in consultation with the other equality sections, to produce an FBU Best Practice document on FRS Apprenticeships. This will assist our local and Regional Officials in any discussions with FRS management on the structure of their local apprenticeship schemes and to demand that diversity in local schemes is a priority. The guidance to be produced before Conference 2019.