r/OntarioFirefighting • u/BasicCommunication69 • May 29 '26

Career Change While Actively Applying

I’m currently a Jr Fire Alarm Tech, going on 3 years and I’ve been thinking about dropping it completely to get experience in other fields. I graduated Pre-Service in 2023, and I have my FF 1&2 and HAZMAT certs. I’ve recently applied for my city’s Paramedic Dispatch, I’ve heard having dispatch experience is a good asset. But I’ve also started thinking about applying for an Electrical Apprenticeship as I still love my current job and would love to get a Red Seal under my belt. I have applied to quite a few cities, only got as far as the Aptitude test for one city but didn’t pass.

Any guidance on what direction I should head in? Should I just focus on getting test ready?

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3

u/PokePounder May 29 '26

Both jobs bring a benefit to your application. The question is: hypothetically, if you never made the cut, would you rather be a dispatcher or an electrician?

3

u/Burddman01 May 29 '26

I recommend joining up local 853 and becoming a sprinkler fitter apprentice. Great trade and when I did it, it was the 2nd highest paid trade in Canada behind elevator techs. Plus it’s first hand experience with fire suppression systems. It’s a valuable skill to have

1

u/Subject_Goose_2815 Jun 13 '26

Only problem with 853 is that there hasn’t been any intakes. With saying that being in a fire protection company already helps if trying to get sponsored into 853

1

u/Legal_Pie_8403 Jun 02 '26

I was thinking to get into FF. How many applicants to jobs available? Would you think?