Trying hard to become a firefighter

[shawn27]

Hi there! Wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I have not taken any schooling for this, however it has been something I've wanted to do all my life. I have a young family and unfortunately I can't take the time away from working for this. I did take my gas fitters course through night school, after work. Wondering if anyone hires anymore if you don't have any formal fire education? If you could offer some advice I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

[Red_Devil]

Some depts do, what it comes down too is if your a genuine good person who they see as a good candidate to become a traiined professional firefighter, its tough to get hired without any formal fire background but im sure there is a handful of guys getting hired without a fire or ems background somewhere.

[RyanV]

Sign up as a volunteer with St. John ambulance.

[FiremanMDM]

In B.C. almost ALL of the full time dept's require similar credentials.....take a look at

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/fire/

if you want to see an example of the recruitment process here. I only know of a few dept's that don't require the NFPA courses although most of the applicants will have them.

[dentedhead]

Shawn 27,There has been considerable debate in these forums about school/no school so we will leave that one alone.

My suggestion is that you first see if you can meet all the minimums ie;fitness component min education etc.Right now if you are in the GTA there are a couple of depts taking applications give it a shot.It will cost you a few bucks if that is not prohibitive....nothing ventured nothing gained.

I recently had a chat with my chief about what gets you points on a resume,in no particular order, previous experience,a trade,emergency medical work/lifegaurding etc.military service,
pre service fire education, community involvement coaching is a biggie as it involves teaching and the one that floored me was farming.Farmers dont buy they fix and improvise. These are just a few.Basically there is no absolute.If you can get to the interview stage sell yourself and then wait.I hope you are good at waiting!

Good luck in your quest I was 42 when I started so dont let age deter you.As long as the family is on board your golden.

Dentedhead

[dentedhead]

Sorry i forgot to mention ways to see whos hiring,here is a great place.You can also check cities your intresred in HR section on their websites.Check out Markhams right now.Its a bit more detailed than most but a great point of reference.

Dentedhead

[FFWannabe]

hey Shawn... it definitely differs by department. I know Ottawa is making some changes in the next few months to recognize consistent work experience and medical background and less emphasis on fire experience and fire schooling. They feel they are missing out on many excellent candidates by making the criteria too narrow. Many departments do require a pre-service course, so it will definitely depend where you are applying.

I understand the challenges of a young family, I'm a single mom and it's especailly tough to find the time and extra money for expensive courses. Trades are great for points, in Ottawa at least, so get working in that trade if you can!

Best of luck.. it's a long process, so start applying now, go through it, learn the test, learn the testing strategies and get familiar with the process... also get the hiring department familiar with you!

Sue :)

[ThFyrWthn]

IMO, and this is just my opinion... the longer you are in the game of trying to become a firefighter, your going to find it's just not worth doing half way.

You likely have alot of life experience, you have a trade and the qualities others have mentioned previously, so... you are a head of the game.

But... Firefighting is going the way of alot of other "life pursuits". You have to have the entrance ticket... school. Just like every other career out there. You know how it is, they didn't just hand you your gas ticket, did they?

I don't know about the "can't" part. If I found a way, being a single mother of 4 and only income source... so can you.

There are many alternatives out there now... 1001's in 3 mos, part time, full out fulltime. All cost too much money and require a sacrafice of yourself and your family but that's life right? Only you and your family can decide if it's worth it to you.

I'm not trying to be negative here, don't get me wrong. I just think it's a real shame how many people hang around in this game only going half way and wasting thier time. It's insanely competitve out there... bottom line.

another but though... If I were you and I really wanted this I'd jump in the race and get applying right away. Like others said, some hire without. Why not try?

Again, this is just my opinion, for what it is worth.

Good luck,