Operational Firefighter Review
at London Fire Brigade
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Firefighter
Greenwich Peninsula, London, UK
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Daily we complete operational checks, undertake training, drills and respond to incidents. We do a lot of community work, visiting people, properties and premises offering fire safety advice. Any other general day to day duties that arise
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme gives me the opportunity to develop skills in lots of different areas, I have to undertake many drills, learn lots of new policies and procedures. The programme is like studying for a degree whilst learning on the job. My experience is supplemented with the learning I'm putting in on the computer. There's a lot to learn and complete
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
LFB have broadened my horizons, it's challenged me each day and continues to do so. It's given me the opportunity to learn and develop. I feel my value within society and in my role has grown. Asides from the new skills in the role, I've learnt a lot about myself, my resilience, the ability to learn new things and put myself out of my comfort zone.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme has a lot to it, it's broken down into smaller chunks and once you understand how it works then it's simple to complete. Your watch and colleagues are as much a part of it as you are, you lean on them for help and advice.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has all of the necessary people/groups there to go to if I require. My watch, station and mentor are all there for me to confide in and you feel really supported along the way. During tougher times such as assessments and incidents you're always supported by the people around you
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support from my training provider is there if I require it. You have a designated apprenticeship coach from Babcock but also a mentor from LFB at station along with your watch to help support you. The training/skills refreshers are once every 2-3 months which helps support your development
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Initially when you join station the support is vital from your training provider. There's a lot to learn in a relatively quick amount of time. Even having someone there to support you mentally and help you understand what to expect when you arrive at station is really vital.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have taken part in the brigade football team, I was made aware of the clubs and the range of social activities the brigade offer right from the beginning of training and it's been great to be a part of.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend London Fire Brigade to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Brilliant place to work, great team that are like your family. You feel supported and feel valued. The job itself is fantastic and my only regret is I didn't join sooner. I feel like I genuinely make a difference in people's lives and hope to continue doing so in the future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to London Fire Brigade?
Go and visit a station near you and ask questions! People will be glad to help and offer advice!
