2 part question.

[RopeRescue101]

What are the trades departments look at as an asset ? Is electrician favoured over a welder? Is a Steamfitter/pipefitter favoured over a millwright ? What are the asset trades fire departments look at

Question 2 - what volunteer experience is the best. Is working at say the humane society an asset? Or should it be more human based like the food bank etc ?
Thanks guys and gals

[bigsmoke]

Any trade is good, construction related trades, (electrician, plumbing, carpenter etc.) may have a slight edge. However any trade is a benefit.
Military experience is huge. You can also get your trade that way.

Volunteer experience - anything that shows a commitment of giving to your community is what is being looked for. It does not have to be a long list of items. A regular schedule of weekly / monthly volunteering is important. Don't sign up for a long list of charities. It looks obvious you were just trying to stack your resume. Keep track of dates you volunteered. You could be asked for those.

Read to the elderly, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, are two examples.

[RopeRescue101]

Bigsmoke thank you again !!!!

[TheGuy]

More to Bigsmokes post, the volunteering should be something you're truly interested in. There is no point in just finding something for the sole sake of hoping it makes you look better, because it might end up doing the opposite.

Longevity is the key, like BS said, it doesn't help if you do one thing, and hope that its sufficient, the job wants to see commitment. If you have your heart set on one department, try doing something that will directly benefit the community you would be serving, showing that you care about where you want to work. Show passion

[RopeRescue101]

Awesome- thank you theguy !! This definitely helps