RDS Training

Firefighters must be well trained, skilled and knowledgeable staff if they are to work safely and effectively in the wide range of operational incidents they are called upon to attend.

Retained Duty System Initial Training Course

Initial training gives the new Firefighters the necessary basic core competencies to enable them to safely attend incidents. For their safety and for the safety of their colleagues, each new recruit must be deemed competent in the use of pumps, ladders and firefighting equipment and able to wear Breathing Apparatus to operate effectively as a Development Firefighter prior to being allowed to become fully operational.

The Service recognises that retained staff sometimes take time away from their normal work to undertake training, for this reason as much of the basic training as possible is undertaken on station during drill nights and during weekends, only 13 days of the initial recruit course impinge upon the Monday to Friday working week.

This training will only be successful with the full commitment of the recruit, the Officer in Charge of the retained station, the District Officer the Training and Development Centre staff and of course the employer.

Ongoing training involves Firefighters attending their station for a drill (training) period once a week during the evening.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to equality and diversity at work. We positively welcome applications from disabled people and under represented groups. For the health and safety of our employees, we operate a no smoking policy