Doncaster Sheffield Airport Is Hiring Trainee Firefighters

Doncaster Sheffield Airport Is Hiring Trainee Firefighters

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is in the process of reopening, marking an exciting new chapter for South Yorkshire. And right now, its Airport Fire & Rescue Service is looking for Trainee Firefighters to be part of the journey.

This is a unique opportunity to join the Airport Fire & Rescue Service at a pivotal time, helping to build a modern, professional and highly capable emergency response team that will underpin the safe and resilient operation of the airport from day one. As a Trainee Firefighter, you will train and develop to play a critical role in protecting passengers, staff, aircraft and infrastructure, responding to a wide range of incidents in a fast-paced, safety-critical aviation environment.

Earn While You Learn

Joining as a Trainee Firefighter is an opportunity to earn while you learn in one of the most rewarding professions. You will gain real experience from day one, supported by high-quality training that builds the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress in a fire and rescue career.

You will undertake the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship, designed by sector specialists and approved by Skills England. The programme is built around an Apprenticeship Standard that sets out the national requirements every apprentice must achieve, combining rigorous training with practical operational duties to develop the confidence and capability to become a competent firefighter.

The Package

The role is based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, permanent and full time, with 42 contractual hours per week.

• Salary: Grade 6-8, £30,960 - £44,816 per annum, plus an 8.5% shift allowance
• Pension: Leading defined benefit pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Annual leave: 29 days, rising to 34 days after 5 years' service, plus 8 bank holidays
• Relocation: Relocation package of up to £8,500
• Wellbeing: Health Cash Plan, free Occupational Health, counselling and physiotherapy, and access to an on-site gym
• Extras: Cycle to Work and Home Technology salary sacrifice schemes, wide range of employee discounts, and free on-site parking

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the apprenticeship, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 or over at the time of employment
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 years
• Not already hold a qualification that duplicates the apprenticeship
• Not be undertaking another qualification at the same time
• Be able to apply the learning directly to your role within the Fire & Rescue Service
• Require at least 50% new learning (determined via a Skills Scan)
• Hold Level 2 in English and Maths, with certification

You must also:

• Live within South Yorkshire or within 20 miles of the border
• Be able to attend all scheduled dates of the selection process
• Be able to commence employment on Monday 14 December 2026
• Be able to attend a 12-week residential training course from Monday 4 January 2026

The role is subject to relevant aviation security checks.

How to Apply

This is a rare chance to join an airport fire and rescue service at the very start of its operational life. You wouldn't just be filling a post; you would be helping build the service from the ground up.

The closing date for applications is 4 October 2026. Don't leave it to the last minute.

View the full vacancy and apply on our Jobs Board

If you are preparing for the selection process, our How to Pass the UK Fire Service Interview guide is a great place to start.