Lindsay Glendinning joined County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (DDFRS) through undertaking a Level 3 Business Fire Safety Apprenticeship.
Lindsay had always wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, who had been an on-call firefighter at Barnard Castle Fire Station.
When an apprenticeship route into the business and community safety areas of the fire service came up, Lindsay jumped at the chance, undertaking the apprenticeship to get a taster for life in the fire service, developing her non-operational knowledge and skills.
Apprenticeships combined on-the-job and off-the-job training
Lindsay took this apprenticeship opportunity by storm, gaining skills from various departments throughout the programme including a Level 3 Rope Rescue qualification.
Lindsay reflects that during her apprenticeship she quickly learnt the importance of balancing her apprenticeship course work and operational skills. Along with the support of colleagues in the fire service and her fellow apprentices, Lindsay completed her apprenticeship and now works in the role of a Business Fire Safety Officer.
Continuing professional development
In her role as a Business Fire Safety Officer, Lindsay also has the opportunity to keep her operational skills up to date by attending her local on-call station.
Additionally, every year, DDFRS runs a CPD day for fire safety to help support their employees in keeping their skills and knowledge up to date, which includes updates on any new or changed legislation.
Recently returning from maternity leave, Lindsay said that she has received so much support from her manager at her on-call fire station, as well as the HR department and Business Fire Safety team.
In terms of her professional development, Lindsay is considering undertaking the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety.
She also has the opportunity for promotions to Crew Manager, or upskilling through driving qualifications, which she plans to look into later this year.
Advice to aspiring apprentices
Reflecting on what advice to give to prospective apprentices, Lindsay said:
“Doing the apprenticeship programme has given me the opportunity to see all different departments and stations in the service.
“I feel confident meeting other people and feel like I have knowledge of other departments as I know what they offer and what they do because I have been there.
“I have been to most stations in the county gaining knowledge and skills from a variety of different fire fighters and managers.
“I get a lot of people asking me how I applied and how to get a job in the fire service.
“I would always recommend the apprenticeship or joining a fire cadets’ scheme if you are too young to apply to the apprenticeship right away.”
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