Armed forces and emergency services : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

The armed forces recruit year-round. To find vacancies, visit:

• Army Careers 
• Royal Air Force Careers 
• Royal Navy Careers 
• Armed Forces University Liaison Officers (ULO) or your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
• On-campus presentations and careers fairs, which are regularly attended by the armed forces. Careers services will have more information on these.

For job vacancies in the ambulance service, see:

• British Paramedic Association (BPA)
• NHS Ambulance Service Trusts in England 
• NHS Jobs 
• Paramedic Resource Centre - for a list of private ambulance agencies. 

Vacancies in the fire and rescue service can be found at:

• British Airports Authority (BAA) 
• Fire Service 
• MOD Careers 
• Royal Air Force (RAF) 

Some services have a graduate scheme for firefighters.

For the police service, see Police officer for a full list of contacts and resources. Graduates may be eligible to join the high potential development (HPD) scheme. 

Coastguard vacancies are normally advertised on an ad-hoc basis; check the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local and national press.

Emergency planning officers should check the following for jobs:

• Emergency Planning Society 
• Business Continuity Institute 
• Environment Agency (EA) 
• Local Government Careers 
• local and national press.

What skills do I need?

The majority of jobs in the armed forces and emergency services sector are open to graduates of all disciplines, although in some posts a specific degree subject is required.

The skills and entry requirements employers look for vary and depend on the nature of the job. See job roles for more details.

Generally, the skills that employers in this sector desire include:

• effective communication skills including tact and diplomacy;
• a sense of personal responsibility, integrity and resilience;
• ability to lead, motivate and take orders;
• initiative, self-motivation and flexibility;
• the ability to be calm, quick-thinking and decisive in difficult circumstances;
• good physical and mental fitness combined with a robust mental outlook;
• teamworking skills and the ability to work independently;
• the ability to relate to people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, races, religions and cultures;
• problem-solving skills.

In the case of the ambulance service, excellent driving skills are required, with between one and two years’ driving experience.

Where can I find work experience?

Pre-entry experience is not essential, although it is advantageous to have experience working with individuals or groups in the community. Training with cadet forces, University Officers Training Corps (UOTC), University Royal Navy Units (URNUs),  University Air Squadrons (UAS) or the Territorial Army (TA) help with entry into the armed forces.

Useful pre-entry experience can be picked up in a variety of settings and may include:

• experience of dealing with the public, e.g. sports coaching, working with local youth groups or helping vulnerable people;
• completing first aid courses;
• voluntary experience in organisations such as St John Ambulance, the St Andrew's Ambulance Association; British Red Cross and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
• volunteering as a community first responder with local ambulance services or as a special constable in the police.

Is postgraduate study useful?

• Most positions do not require postgraduate qualifications.
• Teacher training can be advantageous for the post of training officer in the armed forces, though a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is not a pre-requisite.
• Further study is supported in general once you are employed in the sector.

How can my career develop?

• Career progression in the armed forces is clearly defined, with a formal hierarchy for progression through the ranks. Each position has specific requirements and a set salary level.
• Career development in the fire service typically runs from firefighter, crew manager, watch manager, up to station manager.
• Within the NHS, promotion opportunities are generally expanding. After two years as a fully qualified and experienced paramedic, you might be promoted to emergency services team leader.
• The role of paramedic has developed to include roles in new clinical areas. For example, paramedics may work alongside doctors and nurses as emergency care practitioners (ECPs) based in health centres, GPs' surgeries, minor injuries units, hospital accident and emergency departments and community hospitals. Opportunities also exist in some locations for specialist work with motorcycle, rapid response car or air ambulance (helicopter) units.
• The Police High Potential Development (HPD) Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates (APSG) in Scotland are available to new and serving police officers and are designed to develop the future leaders of the police force.