DEFENCE, security and aerospace firm QinetiQ is seeking apprentice firefighters for its base at at MoD Boscombe Down.

The three-year course, one of only four of its kind in the UK, offers the chance to gain qualifications and real-world fire-and-rescue experience as part of an emergency response team.

Apprentices’ duties will include planning for emergencies, responding to incidents, maintaining equipment and training others in fire safety.

Those completing the course will graduate with a Level 3 NVQ in emergency fire services operation in the community (City & Guilds), and a Level 3 Diploma in emergency fire and rescue services operations in the community (BTEC). There are two places available this year, starting in September, with a total of eight being created over the next five years.

Rab Bailie, QinetiQ’s head of facilities management at MoD Boscombe Down, said: “We have launched this apprenticeship to help create opportunities for young people in the firefighting profession. The selection process for firefighting positions is often weighted in favour of those with previous experience, putting young people at an immediate disadvantage.

“This apprenticeship seeks to redress the balance by providing a rare opportunity to gain that vital experience at an early age.”