Firefighters Break New Ground with First On-Call Apprenticeships
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has smashed barriers by offering identical training and development opportunities to both on-call and wholetime firefighters. Six trailblazing apprentices have just smashed their assessments, setting a historic precedent.
Meet the First Six Trailblazing Firefighter Apprentices
- Owen Cheffey – Bridgwater Fire Station
- Lilli Ibbotson – Bridgwater Fire Station
- Laura Hutchings – Newton Abbot Fire Station
- James Lavis – Newton Abbot Fire Station
- Thomas Mole – Middlemoor Fire Station, Exeter
- Dan McBride – Torquay Fire Station
A Historic Win for On-Call Firefighters
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joe Hassell, also national on-call lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), called it “a historic and proud moment.” He praised the dedication of these six apprentices for juggling work, training, and community protection.
“Our academy staff lobbied the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to adapt the apprenticeship, enabling on-call firefighters to complete it. As national on-call lead, this innovation excites me, and I expect other Fire and Rescue Services to learn from our success.”
“If the pilot proves successful, we’ll roll it out to all on-call staff.”
How the Apprenticeship Works
The apprenticeship demands 1,560 hours of paid firefighter work across 18-24 months. On-call firefighters traditionally couldn’t meet these hours due to variable incident calls. But thanks to changes approved by the Department for Education, on-call fire crews can now qualify through this route.
Mark Palmer, Quality and Accreditation Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“This is a breakthrough for on-call firefighters nationwide. I’m thrilled our team could access the operational firefighter apprenticeship and earn this national standard.”
Training and Assessments Backed by Expert Partners
The apprentices took their End Point Assessment at Bridgwater & Taunton College, featuring a knowledge test, practical observation, and professional discussion judged by SFJ Awards independent assessors.
Since 2018, the college has supported the service in delivering training, preparation for assessments, and functional skills in English and maths.
Amanda Charlton, Curriculum Manager at Bridgwater & Taunton College, applauded the apprentices’ dedication:
“Balancing on-call duties, work, home life, and study is tough. These firefighters have shown incredible commitment. We wish them every success in their assessments.”
Firefighters Speak Out on Apprenticeship Impact
Owen Cheffey: “Becoming an on-call firefighter was a dream come true. The apprenticeship was a no-brainer. It’s challenging but has boosted my confidence and skills on the fire ground. This qualification sets high standards that I’ll carry through my career.”
Laura Hutchings: “The apprenticeship sharpened my operational skills and gave me confidence. I’m sure it will help me progress my career.”
