Seneca's 3 Year Fire Protection Engineering Course

[Jon1]

Hey everyone. I will be hopefully attending Seneca's three year program in September. I was just wondering if anyone has gone through it, and could maybe give me some feedback. Also, by having this program under my belt, will it increase my chances of becoming a firefighter? Thanks for any feedback. Much appreciated!!!!

[DoubleHelix]

I would say it would increase your chances but since Pre-Service is becoming a requirement, that course will not let you apply to those cities. You can do fire electives in that program but it is not a Pre-Service program. You're better off taking the pre-service or the 3 year at Lambton.

[Michael13]

I'm at the same program at Fleming, in Peterborough. It is supossed to be the same as Senaca, but this is only its first year and some bugs need to worked out. The course might help you get in a dept. Some dept's might be looking for inspector type people to hire. Thats what I'm hoping, but prolly need expierance, so I plan on working for a fire safety company first. good luck.

[Jon1]

Wow! Thanks for the replies. While i do the three year program, i intend to become a volenteer firefighter. So hopefully with an Advanced Diploma and three years of volenteer service, i will have a good chance of being hired!!!

[DoubleHelix]

Also something to keep in mind is you don't get a placement with that course so you won't be able to stay at a hall for a month or however long the departments lets you.

It's hard to say because if your main goal is firefighting you're going to have to end up doing the pre-service anyways unless you can get the cirriculum done throught the fire college which is very hard.

You trying to geton volunteer in East Gwillimbury?

[Jon1]

Thanks for all of the help. DoubleHelix, i do plan to be a volenteer firefighter, just as soon as i graduate high school. I only have one more semester left, so in June i will apply. I do plan to take the pre service course at Seneca aswell as the three year program. Thanks for all of the help.

[FLASHOVER05]

Hey Jon1 I took the program last year... expect to work... there is alot of fire science based work. I found I had a tough time trying to balance School work and a GF.... well(mostly the GF) Dont slack off... if you do the 6 semesters can quickly turn into 7....8....9 and so on... The course just wasn't for me and since I have gone into Pre-service during night classes... I will tell you one thing once you complete your first year companies like Simplex will snap you up int the summer... I know guys who were invited to jobs in the states... The job opportunities are almost endless.... There is really good and bad in everything... it depends on you... Enjoy your time at Seneca...

[Newb on Fire]

Just to correct what DoubleHelix was saying, the fire fighting electives ARE from the Pre-Service endorsed program. You can finish the first semester of the Pre-service program while taking the 3 year program. I should know, that's what I did so if you have any questions, let me know. It's a really good way to go. I'm working full-time for a fire protection company while finishing the last semester of the Pre-Service program in night school.

[superbeast86]

Im thinking when im done getting my gr 12 math sci and eng, im gonna go to senecas 3 year program, which also has the co-op option. so im wondering what is pre service, what are the differences, what should i do? etc etc

[Jon1]

hey everyone, just thought i'd tell all of you that i have just been accepted into the program!! Found a big package in the mail!! Now, i see if im accepted into Humber or Georgian for thier Paramedic programs!!! *Fingers crossed*

[TomC]

Superbeast, I graduated from the Humber college Pre-Service Firefighter education and training program in '03. There are several college's offering this program which are endorsed by the OFM and I would highly recommend the Humber Program. They market it as an opportunity for prospective Firefighters to get a taste of the firefighting world to see if it's really what you want. The first three months or so are spent in class doing theory with a bit of hands on. You will touch on everything from Fire Science and behaviour to Emergency Patient Care to Physical Fitness and Psychology. The next 4-5 months are spent doing a lot of hands on activities, rolling hose, using ladders, hitting hydrants etc etc etc...You then get into the fun stuff. a few weeks at a burn tower doing live burns and fighting fires and the course is topped off with a six week ride along with a major Fire Department..One of the best experiences of my life. I Know a few guys who have completed the three year program and i think it really depends on what you want out of your career. If you want to ride the trucks for your whole career I would suggest the pre service program. If you think you want to touch on fire engineering, prevention etc the three year course may be better. I like the fact that pre-service is only ten months and you can focus more time on other types of courses and certificates and volunteering. It is however expesive, around $10,000...a small price to pay for such an awsome career mind you. check out the ontario fire marshals office website...
http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/Education/enhanced.asp
good luck and keep work hard at it...Ive been pursuing this dream for about 4 years now and im on the doorstep....

[TroyBennett]

So you are saying, take the pre-service program if I want too work on the truck for the rest of my career, which is what I want too do. 10 months, $10,000 aprox.? when you have graduated from this program, does it guarentee a placement? also what are good ways of paying this expensive fee?

[Michael13]

It doesnt garentee a placement...Ihave friends who are still job less.

[TroyBennett]

better chances?

[Michael13]

Oh ya, most Depts in Ontario will only hire if you have pre-service....some rare cases, thats not the case. If you have no life expirence and you are 22 years old, you prolly need pre Service.