Started: 2/1/2010 8:30 AM | |
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 | Hired?
Wanting to get hired, I have been a volunteer for the past 3 years and wondering what the best way to go about getting hired on would be from here. |
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From: portable232
Posted: Monday, February 01, 2010 8:30 AM
Subject: Hired?
Wanting to get hired, I have been a volunteer for the past 3 years and wondering what the best way to go about getting hired on would be from here.
Do you have any post secondary fire education? Most Fire Departments are requesting that you have obtained some type of firefighting certification for example the OFM courses such as Pre-Service Firefighter Program which is offered at several colleges throughout Ontario as well as a 2 year program which is typically called the Fire Science and Technology Program. In this program the Pre-Service Program is a prerequisite.
There is another option... you can obtain your NFPA 1001 certification. This program is offered at different Colleges throughout Canada.
NOTE: Keep in mind most Colleges offer a distance learning option to most of their fire programs.
All of these programs are excellent and will get you where you want to go.
For a complete list of these endorsed Colleges visit the Firefighter Schools/Programs link on this website. Since you have a copy of my book THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER be sure to read over the section about ONLY attending programs that are endorsed and recognized by the Fire Department's you are most interested in.
So do you have any Post Secondary Fire Education????
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| No, i do not as of yet. Where would you reccomend?
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| The question is what is better for you? I'm not sure about your situation. The questions I have are you married with kids and have a steep mortgage payment? or are you single and 18 years old with no tie downs? Where do you live? Is there a fire program that fire departments in the cities you want to get hired on endorse, or recommend? Do you have flexibility in your job in order to leave work for 2 1/2 months?
Answer these questions and we'll go from there. Choosing the right path for you will be easy once I figure out your situation. I look forward to your reply. |
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Posted: 2/18/2010 2:46 AM | |
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| The question is what is better for you? I'm not sure about your situation. The questions I have are you married with kids and have a steep mortgage payment? or are you single and 18 years old with no tie downs? Where do you live? Is there a fire program that fire departments in the cities you want to get hired on endorse, or recommend? Do you have flexibility in your job in order to leave work for 2 1/2 months?
Hi, I didn't start this thread, but I have a similar question. I am seriously thinking about starting the process to become a firefighter, something I have been thinking about for a long time.
I am in my late 20's and married. I played University football in Ontario and have a masters in Environmental Biology. We live in Southern Ontario and would like to remain in this area (but are flexible if need be). Ideally, I'd like to end up in the Hamilton-Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph area, but understand and am more than willing to go where the work is. I am willing to do a year long pre-figherfighter course, but because of my age and financial situation would prefer to look into other possibilities. You asked the previous poster if he would be able to leave work for 2 1/2 months. Does this mean there is a 2 1/2 month intensive course somewhere? You also mentioned online courses. In general are these options (2 1/2 month course or online) considered on par with the 3 semester college courses available (I understand that different departments will have varying opinions).
Thanks for your help
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Posted: 2/22/2010 6:54 PM | |
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| Fire ETC in alberta has a 12 week program, which is considered equivalent to the pre-service offered here in ontario. there is a school in texas that offers the same 12 week course. i know of a person who did all the book work online, then flew out for 2 weeks to do the practical stuff, and got the same certification.
here is the link for alberta http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/fire-etc/
here is the link for texas http://www.teex.com/esti/
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Posted: 2/23/2010 7:17 AM | |
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| Thanks for the info.
I've looked into the program that is offered in Alberta and it sounds like something I would really like to do. However, I am leaning towards the online course (basically because I am currently in Europe and won't be returning until next summer), by doing the online course now I could get a head start. Can anybody tell me which programs offer an online course. Also, would potential employers look down on this kind of training, or do they not care as long as you have the certificate?
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I've looked into the program that is offered in Alberta and it sounds like something I would really like to do. However, I am leaning towards the online course (basically because I am currently in Europe and won't be returning until next summer), by doing the online course now I could get a head start. Can anybody tell me which programs offer an online course. Also, would potential employers look down on this kind of training, or do they not care as long as you have the certificate?
If you feel the online course is for you and fits your needs the best then that's great. There are a few companies that offer distance learning firefighting programs. The one off the top of my head is trainingdivision.com - I have heard great things about this company. You should be aware that some online courses are under deadlines and have testing every Sunday for example and other programs allow the student to complete the tests whenever it's convenient. So be sure to choose the program that works best for you. I know of one Fire Department who has chosen not to accept the online education and wanted all candidates to have actually spent the time at some post secondary firefighting program. So make sure you do your research.
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