Watch Manager Review

Item: Watch Manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue
Rating: 4
Author: Anonymous

at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Firefighter

Darlington

Review Submitted: March 2025

Overall Rating

4 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

Watch Manager in Emergency Response Resilience and Planning. Responsible for multiple work streams within the Organisation

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

It has been a good opportunity to explore different experiences with my colleges.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Opportunity to reflect on the existing management style I employ and guidance through project management.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

For the first year it took a bit to get my head around but as I get closer to gateway I am getting to grips with it all

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have protected time to complete my course work. I could not be any more supported.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

Its not a bad reflection on my tutor but the need for virtual meetings detracts from the learner experience due to the nature of using ourselves for operational cover during low staffing periods

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

I took great value from the reflective periods and the breaking down of what I do naturally into some of the Theory's as to why I do what I do.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

4/5

The fire service has a natural social element that we all get involved with.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I believe we are a great employer who value development and the welfare of our staff. Its a rewarding job with opportunities available if you are willing to embrace them.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue?

Visit station and speak to the crews. We have all been in the same position and look to make yourself as fit and prepared as possible. Break each step down into its component parts and treat each part as a final interview. Its competitive so you need to perform above the shoulders of many more.

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