High Flyers wanted: Belfast City Airport opens fire service apprenticeship programme
- Love Ballymena
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Christine Beale, Watch Commander; Nicole Dallat, former apprentice and now Firefighter; and Damien Wisdom, former apprentice now Firefighter.
Belfast City Airport has officially opened applications for its 2025 High Flyers Apprenticeship programme, a unique opportunity for aspiring firefighters to gain industry-leading training and qualifications within the airport’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Designed to launch hands-on careers in emergency services, the acclaimed initiative offers participants the chance to build essential firefighting skills, obtain nationally recognised qualifications, and progress into senior or specialist roles.
Open to applicants across Northern Ireland, the programme continues to play a vital role in developing local talent for one of the most critical and demanding professions in aviation safety.
Paddy Hughes, Airport Fire Service Manager at Belfast City Airport, highlighted the programme’s ongoing success and long-term impact:
“Belfast City Airport prides itself in nurturing local talent, and our High Flyers Apprenticeship programme is an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in a practical career where you can make a real difference.
“Whether it’s responding to emergencies or supporting people in critical situations, the programme gives participants the skills and experience needed to do so safely and efficiently.
“At Belfast City Airport, our goal is to develop the next generation of highly skilled, professional firefighters, ready to serve in the unique environment of an airport.”
Since its inception in 2014, High Flyers has helped launch dozens of careers, boasting a 100% record of graduates securing full-time, permanent roles. The programme, run in partnership with training provider Rutledge, has become a benchmark for high-quality apprenticeship delivery in Northern Ireland.
Real-Life Success Stories
Among the many success stories are Nicole Dallat and Damien Wisdom, both now fully qualified firefighters at Belfast City Airport.
Nicole credits the programme for giving her the confidence and experience to enter a traditionally male-dominated field:
“The High Flyers programme was extremely beneficial for me. I always wanted a hands-on, active role, and with my strong interest in emergency services, it gave me the perfect opportunity to get my foot through the door.
“Not only did it equip me with essential skills, but it also gave me the confidence to pursue a career in a field that’s largely male-dominated. The support from the programme and its officers was second to none. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
Damien shared a similarly positive experience:
“My experience as an apprentice in the High Flyers programme was amazing. The level of support, the high-quality training, and the real-world experience we gained were absolutely vital.
“If you’re even thinking about a career in the fire service, I couldn’t recommend High Flyers enough. Get your application in, you won’t regret it.”
Comprehensive, Real-World Training
Successful applicants to the 2025 programme will undergo a wide range of practical and technical training. Modules include:
Aviation firefighting tactics
LGV driving of major foam appliances
Hose deployment and branch handling
Working at height and in confined spaces
Use of breathing apparatus
Advanced casualty care
How to Apply
Applications are now open and will close on 16th June 2025. Recruitment is being managed by Rutledge, and full details can be found at the button below.
Further information about the programme is available at:
This is a rare chance to step into a rewarding, action-oriented career with one of Northern Ireland’s most respected emergency service teams. For motivated individuals seeking a future in firefighting, the High Flyers Apprenticeship could be the perfect take-off point.
