Pursuing a career as a firefighter requires passion and a willingness to learn. One can join the firefighting world through apprenticeship or get employed after being certified by a respective authority. Here is a quick overview of how to become a firefighter without any prior experience in the field.
1. Becoming a Firefighter through Apprenticeship
Most accomplished firefighters were once apprentice students at a local fire department. Fire departments often have volunteer positions that they advertise to the general public Volunteer work usually involves helping around the fire station or participating in outdoor projects like organizing community fairs.
Volunteer jobs are a hidden gem to furthering your firefighting career—and for a number of solid reasons. To begin with, you will have an opportunity to form the right professional contacts that can help you get a job as a firefighter in the future. Additionally, volunteering at a fire station gives you first-hand tips on how to become a firefighter. You get to go on exercise and training drives with the local firefighting team and reap vital lessons from that.
2. Becoming a firefighter through Schooling
Another way to be a firefighter is by getting formal training in a learning institution. There are colleges and technical schools that offer diplomas in firefighting. There are also firefighting academies dedicated solely to training new firemen and women.
At the end of the training, you will be required to sit for a final exam to receive your diploma or degree in fire science. Besides this accreditation, you also have to sit for CPR and EMT training exam. These exams help gauge your ability in handling physical duties and mental finesse to work in stressful environments.
Once you acquire all certifications, you may start applying for a job as a firefighter. Recruits are required to sit for a written examination and an oral interview. Other vetting processes include drug screening, background investigation, and aptitude tests. Some fire departments will go ahead and ask for your job history, credit history, and at least three personal references.
Shaping your Career as Firefighter
There is more to firefighting than just knocking down doors with hammers and pulling victims out of a flaming building. You can pursue a career in fire science as a fire inspector, fire investigator, or a specialist in arson investigation.
Bottom-line
If you have always wondered how to become a firefighter, the above highlighted two methods (apprenticeship and formal schooling) are the most recommended. Also, ensure you are physically and mentally fit to handle the strenuous conditions that come with firefighting.
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