If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking (This position is a mobile grade, working at Aldermaston or Burghfield as required by Head of Fire Section)
Package: Starting on a development pay rate of £35,136
Working pattern: This position will require you to work a; four on, four off shift pattern (two 10 hour days, two 14 hour nights, four rest days), however, you may be required to work day shift as and when required by Head of Fire Section.
Let us introduce the role
Are you looking for a rewarding and dynamic career where you can make a real difference? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to be part of a team that protects and serves the AWE community?
We are looking for motivated and ambitious individuals to join our team as Trainee Firefighters.
No prior firefighting experience is necessary – just determination, commitment, and a fresh perspective to bring to our ways of working.
Each day as a firefighter at AWE brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference. You'll respond to emergencies, including fires, accidents and medical emergencies, working closely with your team to assess situations and take action to protect both life and assets.
Beyond emergencies, you'll engage in regular training, maintain firefighting equipment and provide fire safety education to the AWE community.
Who are we looking for?
* Geographical knowledge of AWE site layout, buildings, streets and hazardous facilities would be beneficial
* A full driving license is essential, and you must live within 2 hours travelling distance
* Ability to build and maintain good working relationships
* Must be able to maintain a level of personal fitness necessary to carry out the duties of a firefighter and to pass the 6 monthly fitness assessment
* Must be willing and able to take part in the on-call duty system
* Great problem solving and planning skills
* Good written and oral communication skills
* A basic standard of education is required – Maths and English (Grade C / Level 4 or above)
* An ambition and drive to succeed and make a difference
* Must be able to obtain and maintain DV level security clearance
As part of the application process please write a cover letter as to why you want to be a firefighter at AWE and what skills you can bring to the role (300 words maximum)
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
* 236 hours of annual leave.
* Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
* Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
* Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
* Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
* Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
* Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
* Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
Firefighter selection testing generally involves a multi-stage process, including physical assessments (i.e. bleep test, ladder climb, ladder lift, equipment assembly, enclosed space test), written tests, and interviews. The tests are designed to assess a candidate's fitness, skills, behaviours and suitability for the demanding role of a firefighter.
Successful candidates will be required to attend a 13 week basic firefighter training course at an off-site UK location.
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Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:
* We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
* You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
* We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
* Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.