The Fire Academy [Archive] - The Firehall.com Forum

FFWannabe

01-28-2005, 08:36 AM

So, since the debate over book smarts vs. street smarts rages on (sorry, I've been watching The Apprentice), I am still unsure about spending money on major courses... I would love to take them, but as best coast has said, some of us have banks/landlords and children that wouldn't be pleased if all of our money went to courses! haha!

So, this is what I am looking at right now.. it's offered by correspondence.. which worries me a little because I learn very well with the visual/classroom component... I am easily self taught as well, but thrive in a classroom situation. Anyway, has anyone taken this course from them. Fire Service Career Prep (http://www.thefireacademy.on.ca/facourses.htm)

I am interested in only the Fire Service Prep ($1008) as really, I think it's all I can justify spending at once, but maybe after I can sign on for more courses.

Any suggestions or comments on the course would be greatly appreciated. I have written them to see if I can play catch up with the winter program that started earluer this month... I would rather enroll right away instead of waiting for May... basically so I can add to my resume that I am enrolled and mail it on in again!!!

Thanks in advance, guys and girls!!!

Sue :)

Pumper99

03-11-2005, 12:46 PM

The Fire Academy is not endorsed by the OFM. It may say pre-service or career prep, but it's not endorsed which means not recognized by hiring FD's. I know a couple guys that have recently got in the service with this particular diploma......but those days are long gone. The OFM/OAFC have mandated that FD's hire new recruits with the endorsed Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Diploma.

Pumper99

FFWannabe

03-11-2005, 01:31 PM

Hey Pumper99, thanks! I have talked it over with the hiring manager here in Ottawa, he says the same thing. He directed me to the head of HR and she tells me the Algonquin Pre-Service course is no longer recognized either. It's a pretty expensive course, so I encourge anyone looking to take it to ask the HR rep for the department you are applying to if it's recognized.

Thanks again! Sue :)

Pumper99

03-11-2005, 04:14 PM

If you go on the OFM website, there is a list of Endorsed colleges offering the Pre-Service Program. If you're working full time with your professional career there are options to either complete the program either part-time or through distance educuation. I've heard that Northern College is the only college offering this program through distance education. This would allow you to stay put in Ottawa while completing the course at your own pace. I've heard wonderful things about Northern College and the administration there.
Best of Luck.

Pumper99

FFWannabe

03-11-2005, 04:35 PM

Hey, thanks Pumper, I'll take a peak at that. I'm one of those oddballs who enjoys doing schoolwork, research, etc, something about setting goals and meeting them, I guess! hahaha! So, it would be good to take a course that's actually going to get me somewhere! :)

Thanks again!

Sue :)

Kearley

03-11-2005, 07:33 PM

On the OFM website it says the Algonquin course is endorsed...

dentedhead

03-11-2005, 07:45 PM

FFWannabe

03-12-2005, 03:53 AM

On the OFM website it says the Algonquin course is endorsed...

I noticed that too. The Captain is working this weekend, and I had planned on giving him a shout this weekend, so I will ask him about that. I had assumed he meant it wasn't going to be recognized by Ottawa anymore because of the new criteria that will be in place soon, but HR said it wasn't going to be recognized anymore by the OFM. I'll let her know it's stil on the site and clarify if it will be taken off, or if it's just for Ottawa's hiring.

Sue :)

FFWannabe

03-12-2005, 03:55 AM

Sue you may also want to look at some other fire related programs such as fire alarm tech/instalation.It might also be worth looking at things like building code and construction familiarization stuff like that.I have seen programs like this in many of the colleges continuing ed calenders the prices are also much more reasonable per module.Not exactly the most excting stuff to learn but its something you will use at least once on most shifts.

I know that these are not strictly fire suppression or rescue courses but they will help with broadening your knowledge in regards to sprinkler systems and different types of alarm systems how they work and their common faults.

Hope this helps.

Dentedhead

Hey dentedhead... that's a really good idea. Algonquin has a pretty good Fire Alarm Tech course... I wouldn't mind the building codes course either, and from what I was told, they would be worth more these days in Ottawa for points than the fire related courses would be. Time to start looking again! Thanks!! :)

Sue :)

web-chief

03-12-2005, 05:56 AM

It might be a good idea for you to read the article I posted in the Education & Training Forum under Accreditation.

Take Care,

dentedhead

03-12-2005, 10:40 AM

Sue no probs,I think its fair too say we are all rooting for you, so if we can help we will.Im and old elmvale acres guy so we gotta look out for each other LOL.

Dentedhead

FFWannabe

03-12-2005, 03:31 PM

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

Sue :D

Pumper99

04-05-2005, 03:37 PM

FYI - two grads from The Fire Academy started recruit class April 4th with Vaughan Fire & Resuce Services. They both graduated from there in 2001........a lot has changed since then.

FFWannabe

10-22-2005, 01:59 PM

Okay... so I'm looking at this again, and so far The Fire Academy seems to be the most accessible as far as correspondence, price and taking separate courses. I am still looking at the $1000 certificate, but there are separate courses.

Any of you have any thoughts on the separate courses and which would be best to take? I am a little confused about which course would stand out the most... eeeeeks... limited funds... must spend wisely!!

Thanks guys! :)

http://www.firehall.com/index2.php?item=5883

colin911

10-22-2005, 04:06 PM

FYI - two grads from The Fire Academy started recruit class April 4th with Vaughan Fire & Resuce Services. They both graduated from there in 2001........a lot has changed since then.
I went there in 2000, took the diploma program ... got hired 2 years after that. Liked the course, good for people who can't go to a full time program.

FFWannabe

10-23-2005, 02:04 PM

I went there in 2000, took the diploma program ... got hired 2 years after that. Liked the course, good for people who can't go to a full time program.

Thanks Colin! Yeah, fulltime is a bit of a stretch for me (okay, it's exactly impossible), but being able to work on this at home might be just what I need! What do you think of the Career Prep program? It seems like it touches on a lot... I wonder if that would be worthwhile, or maybe some of those single courses are more appropriate. Sheeesh, I can make up my mind in seconds, but put $$$ to it and I'm screwed! haha!

Thanks for your help! Sue :)

Pumper99

10-23-2005, 03:55 PM

Sue. Check out Northern College Distance Education program. It's right up your alley........and since you're in Ottawa, you would most likely be paired up with the Ottawa FD to do your practical sign offs and other fire related requirements, which is an excellent way of getting to know that department inside/out and for the department to get to know you.

http://www.northernc.on.ca/programs/hsci/ffighter.html

Pumper99