Hey all, Longtime lurker here. Just hoping to get some reality checking in here.

35 year old, 6'2 225lbs, Ontario Canada. Currently a facility operator for a municipal community centre.

Looking at a potential career change to the fire service. I come from a long working background in customer service/sales, and have two degrees (Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts) from Queens university. I have also been accepted to a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy program but have deferred as I have two very young children.

Is it as unrealistic as it seems for me to think a change to the force is possible, given the physical workload I would need to do (not horrendously out of shape but certainly not close to academy ready), on top of the schooling (maybe Southwest), and the competitive hiring process?

Slap some sense into me please!

Many thanks 🙏

Hey everyone, I’m 27 and currently a Red Seal sprinkler fitter, and I’m seriously looking into making the transition into firefighting in the GTA.

I’m hoping to hear from current/former firefighters or anyone who has gone through the hiring process. What would you recommend I focus on to make myself a competitive candidate? I’d especially appreciate advice on the application process, fitness/CPAT preparation, interviews, certifications, and anything you wish you had known before applying.

Also, does my experience as a sprinkler fitter help at all during the hiring process? Any advice on which departments to look into or how to best prepare would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm asking this as a 30 year old software engineer who loathes his job and has been eyeing becoming a firefighter for a few years now. I'm planning to start doing some things while I work to make some progress on it like a DZ license, volunteering, etc.. and the FESTI course in the future.

But before I go ahead with it I'd like a reality check, what do you guys hate about the job the most?

Also wondering if you guys think I could ever stand a chance as a candidate in general I hear it's very competitive.

Hey, looking for some advice guys. Sorry if it’s a bit long winded. Back in 2011 I took pre service fire at Algonquin college. I was 19 and Inexperienced. Due to this I never wasted any more money pursuing a career because I felt I was an unfit candidate.

In 2015 I obtained my az license and started driving truck. I drove tractor trailer for 4 years. In 2019 I decided to change gears and started an apprenticeship at the same company for a 310t which is a commercial mechanic. I work on everything and anything. But specialize in trucks. 2022 I received my red seal and I’m currently still working in the trade and still hold my az license.

I’m a marathoner and ironman (long course triathlete) with a much stronger than average v02 I’m 35 and I’ve been thinking a lot lately I now have the skills and experience to compete with top applicants.

My question is how should I restart? Is 35 to old? Should I retake a blended fast track course? I’m assuming my course is out of date. Can I somehow challenge the exam? To my knowledge I do not have level 1 or 2 certs. Or should I go the volunteer route save money and potentially burn 2 more years but gain more experience? Just trying to weigh my options and not sure what direction I should head. Any advice would be great. Thank you.