How London Fire Brigade apprenticeships help shape lifelong careers

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is the largest fire and rescue service in the UK and one of the largest in the world. Serving a population of more than 9 million people, LFB operates over 100 fire stations across the capital and employs more than 5,000 people.

Apprenticeships are a vital tool for training LFB’s new recruits and firefighter apprenticeships provide a fantastic platform for individuals to progress in their careers.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, three LFB firefighters, all former apprentices, spoke to me about their experiences of being an apprentice and reflect on how their apprenticeships have helped them to develop further on in their careers.

Each of you joined LFB as apprentices. How do you think the experience from your apprenticeship continues to help you in your role today?

Archie Withey (AW): The apprenticeship gave me a lot more self-belief – it really helped me discover a different part to myself I didn’t know I had.

Diarmuid Colgan (DC): I think I have learned a lot; mostly subconscious learning that has prepared me for my new role.

Jade Konkel (JK): I liked the way the apprenticeship allowed me to really work on learning and developing, as well as reflections on the experience whilst I was still a recruit.

What skills did you learn in your apprenticeship and how did they help your career progression?

AW: Leadership, courage and communication.

JK: Apprenticeships help keep you in an always-learning mindset, which is what anybody looking for career progression should be in.

DC: I learned a lot of skills during my apprenticeship and that has instilled the practice to keep learning today. There is always something to learn or develop!

Does learning and development continue to be part of your role today? If so, what opportunities do you get to continue your professional development in your current role?

DC: Every day is a learning day. I have gone for the Leading Firefighter role and have been helped by my station officer and sub officer. I also continue my professional development every day in different ways.

JK: Yes, I’m always looking at ways to learn and keep up to date with learning to prevent skills fade where possible. I always look out for different policies to read each tour so I can focus learning into bite-sized, manageable pieces.

AW: As a Temporary Leading Firefighter (LFF), I’ve had to undertake training courses to enable me to do this role. The course from Babcock was really beneficial and was nice to see a link between the Firefighter Development (FFD) team at Babcock and the London Firefighter trainers as they all wanted to help you.

What is your advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

JK: Would highly recommend joining the fire service as an apprentice or upskilling in role, as apprenticeships provide a recognised qualification.

AW: Absolutely do it! It’s so beneficial and allows you to gain on-the-job experience which, for me, is so much better than any university degree.

DC: Do it! Never let amazing opportunities pass you by.

SFJ Awards are a specialist End-Point Assessment Organisation for fire and rescue apprenticeships, including LFB. If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship with London Fire Brigade, visit their website for more information.

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