alexsuggitt

Hi all,


I'm currently a newly qualified mechanical engineer. I'm also a retained (on call) fire fighter. I'm considering applying for the fire department when we move to Canada, probably Vancouver. I'm just wondering if anyone else has done this and if they have any experience with the pre-entry requirements? for example, I have a full UK drivers licence but they require a (BC) Class 3 with air brake endorsement?? Anyone have any idea how to deal with that?
Also, I have a (UK) Fire service advanced first aid and trauma course, they require their equivalent, Emergency Medical Responder. Would I be able to get a conversion I would I just have to go do another course when I get there?


Thanks!


Alex.

Former Lancastrian

Read these links they may answer some questions
Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services firefighting jobs | City of Vancouver

There are different licensing requirements depending on where you’re from. If you have a driver’s licence from any of the countries or regions where BC has a reciprocal licence agreement in place and at least two years of driving experience, then you can usually just exchange for a B.C. driver’s licence right away.

http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing...r-licence.aspx

Contact both by email and see what they come back with i.e. converting courses or skills. Im guessing not too many expats on here became Vancouver firefighters so you might be waiting a long time for an answer.

alexsuggitt

That's brilliant thanks!
So it seems you're not far from Vancouver. How are you finding it over there?

Novocastrian

Your father, grandfather and (preferably) your great-grandfather all have to have been members of the same Fire Service before you.

BristolUK

Have you seen St Johns and Vancouver on the map?

alexsuggitt

LMAO!!!! I have now!! Whoops!

alexsuggitt

Former Lancastrian

And perhaps come from a certain ethnic background say like the NYPD or Boston PD but not necessarily Irish as in the VFD.

JonboyE

Paid positions in fire fighting are very sought after jobs. The competition for them is fierce. I would have a plan B if plan A is to earn a living as a fire fighter.

Former Lancastrian

Some public service organizations have a history of nepotism and from hiring within. No relatives serving or previously served in such means likely not hired.

R I C H

I agree. Individuals I know in the fire service here spent years and years as volunteers first, gathering an enormous amount of additional qualifications to add to their resume (all at their own expense).

not2old

I suppose it would be the same as a firefighter from Canada or some place else going to the UK trying to get a job as a Firefighter, police officer ... just saying


Often used 'Engineer' is a loose term in the UK - do you have a degree in Mechanical Engineering?

.

Novocastrian

Possibly, I don't know.

Perhaps the OP could comment on differences or similarities?

alexsuggitt

Agreed, I fully intend to settle as an engineer first, get comfortable over there, then when the times right, think about joining the fire dept, but in my experience it's always best to gather the info like this early on so I'm better prepared. Just in case I get there and they happen to be recruiting, and as I mentioned earlier, I am a retained fire fighter in the UK so I know all too well about years of commitment. I'm hoping my experience over here will at least count for something. Having said that, I'm not resting all my hopes on the fire dept because I'm well aware of how competitive it is to get in. Engineering as the safe bet, fire dept as the dream. ☺️

alexsuggitt

Yes I have a degree in mechanical engineering 👍