Fire Training Schools

[oilboy2]

Originally Posted by J3FFR3Y

thanks for the info! I was talking to one of the fire fighters at a convention once, and they were saying if you get your fire training certificate, it puts you ahead of everyone else that is applying to be a fire fighter as you would already know what to expect when they train you. Plus they said there is room for error in school, so you can learn from your mistakes. They also told me getting my fire training certificate allows me to apply basically anywhere rather then going through the training over again if i were to move to a different city.

While getting the ff cert will put you ahead in the recruitment process, it is dime a dozen with people that have it now. Everyone and their dog is going to fireschool and getting the training.
As for applying anywhere yes you can however most departments (other than calgary or edmonton) require a fair amount of EMS training.(EMT-A as a minimum) Of course if you are willing to relocate and save some money you can get all the training you will ever need to apply anywhere in Fort Mcmurray. While an employee with the city there they put you through all the courses required while you are getting paid 80 000 a year. Sure beats 10 000 min out of your own pocket

[mykalberta]

I was under the impression they just changed the requirement.

Alot is now mostly based on an IQ like exam.

[oilboy2]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I was under the impression they just changed the requirement.

Alot is now mostly based on an IQ like exam.

Getting hired on with a fire department is a painfully long process which usually includes:
application, written examination, intense physical, interview, reference/background checks.
that is just a basic process which can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year to complete.
Calgarys still has a stupid ploygraph which is eliminating alot of good people getting hired. Calgary fire department has major issues with employee rentention and hiring right now. Also one of the lowest paid in canada to start.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by chummer

Yup he pretty much nailed it.He forgot to say though that before we hang out in our bunks we like to take the truck to the store(at taxpayer's expense)so we can stuff our faces.Eat till we're tired,sleep till we're hungary....ahh the life of a fireman

So thaaaaaaaat's why you were all pissy in my thread about idiocy near water. Sorry dude, for my snarky response.

[chummer]

Originally Posted by 4X4

So thaaaaaaaat's why you were all pissy in my thread about idiocy near water. Sorry dude, for my snarky response.

No worries,you're here to write about it,that's the main thing.Sounds like you had a fun weekend.

[chummer]

Originally Posted by oilboy2

Calgarys still has a stupid ploygraph which is eliminating alot of good people getting hired. Calgary fire department has major issues with employee rentention and hiring right now. Also one of the lowest paid in canada to start.

I agree with you on the polygraph,we're losing good candidates for sure......unfortunately I think we're stuck with it.

I wouldn't say there's a major problem with employee retention but it's definitely an issue.When I started the turnover rate was less than 1%,now it's much higher.But this has a lot to do with housing costs in Calgary,new recruits simply can't afford to get in the market and they're going elsewhere.Still,many employers are facing the same problem and it's no better in Toronto or Vancouver.

As far as wages we're going to arbitration this November.The city always comes to us with "a take or leave it"offer and arbitration is our only option.We'll get the same as the other unions,which is fine,but it won't do anything for employee retention.

Still,it's a great job......look forward to going to work everyday so that's got to count for something.

[jar_e]

In regards to the polygraph...if you knew the story why CFD implemented I think most would understand why.

I've done two of them and as intimidating as they are they're really not that bad....

[WindomURL]

Originally Posted by jar_e

In regards to the polygraph...if you knew the story why CFD implemented I think most would understand why.

It was that pimp Eastaugh, wasn't it?
I mean *ALLEGED* pimp...

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by WindomURL

It was that pimp Eastaugh, wasn't it?
I mean *ALLEGED* pimp...

Yeah you got it. I wasn't sure if this was public knowledge but googled the name and everything pops up.

[WindomURL]

Originally Posted by jar_e

everything pops up.

That's what she said!

[J3FFR3Y]

another question for oilboy, im looking to start working out and get my self into alot better shape. Is there certain areas I should focus more on to prepare my self for fire fighting?

[Madman]

Originally Posted by J3FFR3Y

another question for oilboy, im looking to start working out and get my self into alot better shape. Is there certain areas I should focus more on to prepare my self for fire fighting?

I'm pretty certain cardio and specifically lung capacity is one of the biggest tests CFD performs. I was talking with a local firefighter, who is involved with recruiting, about the recruitment process a few months ago and he mentioned that to me.

I'm sure one of the resident CFD employees could fill you in a little better though.

This may help you:

http://www.calgary.ca/DocGallery/BU/fire/PrepGuide.pdf

[J3FFR3Y]

Well im considering not going to school for training anymore, but what types of certificates would i need to get hired, like EMT certificate, ETC..

[J3FFR3Y]

Originally Posted by chummer

I agree with you on the polygraph,we're losing good candidates for sure......unfortunately I think we're stuck with it.

I wouldn't say there's a major problem with employee retention but it's definitely an issue.When I started the turnover rate was less than 1%,now it's much higher.But this has a lot to do with housing costs in Calgary,new recruits simply can't afford to get in the market and they're going elsewhere.Still,many employers are facing the same problem and it's no better in Toronto or Vancouver.

As far as wages we're going to arbitration this November.The city always comes to us with "a take or leave it"offer and arbitration is our only option.We'll get the same as the other unions,which is fine,but it won't do anything for employee retention.

Still,it's a great job......look forward to going to work everyday so that's got to count for something.

thats exactly the kind of job i want, instead of dreading to going to my part time job. I think im going to apply within the month or the beginning of january. You wouldnt happen to know a fire cheif by the name of Cal Chugg?