Devon & Somerset Fire Service Breaks New Ground for On-Call Firefighters
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is shaking up firefighter training by offering the exact same apprenticeship opportunities for both on-call and wholetime firefighters. This is a first for the region, smashing down long-standing barriers.
Six Apprentices Make History
The pioneering six who passed the tough assessments are:
- 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
Breaking Down Barriers for On-Call Firefighters
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joe Hassell, who also leads on-call services nationally for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), hailed the achievement:
“This is a historic and proud moment for us. Our on-call staff work incredibly hard, and for these six apprentices to dedicate themselves to this professional qualification shows serious commitment to their communities. Our academy pushed the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to adapt the apprenticeship so on-call firefighters can complete it. As national lead, I love this kind of innovation. Other Fire Services will be watching and learning. If this pilot is successful, we aim to roll it out to all on-call staff.”
A Game-Changing Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship demands 1,560 hours of paid firefighter work, usually done over 18-24 months. Until now, on-call firefighters couldn’t meet these hours due to station call volumes and schedules.
Thanks to a policy shift influenced by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue working with the ESFA, NFCC, and Department for Education, on-call crews can now earn their apprenticeship qualifications.
Mark Palmer, the Quality and Accreditation Manager behind the pilot, said:
“This is thrilling not just for these six, but for on-call firefighters nationally. I’m proud our firefighters can now gain this national standard through the apprenticeship.”
Training & Assessments Delivered Locally
The final assessments took place at Bridgwater & Taunton College, handled by SFJ Awards’ independent assessors. Apprentices faced a nerve-testing knowledge test, practical observation, and professional discussion.
Bridgwater & Taunton College has partnered with the Fire Service since 2018 to run training plans and prep apprentices to smash their assessments — including functional English and maths skills.
Amanda Charlton, Curriculum Manager at the college, praised the apprentices:
“Balancing on-call firefighting, other jobs, home life, and training shows incredible dedication. We wish all six immense success in their final assessments.”
Firefighters Speak Out
Apprentice Owen Cheffey said:
“Becoming an on-call firefighter was a dream come true. When I got the apprenticeship offer, I jumped at it. It’s tough balancing the workload, but the training has made me way more confident on the fire ground. This apprenticeship sets a high standard for my career and gives me the perfect base to grow.”
Laura Hutchings added:
“The apprenticeship really boosted my operational skills and confidence. I’m sure it will help me progress in my career.”
This bold move could set a new national blueprint — proving on-call firefighters deserve the same top-level training as their full-time counterparts.
