getusoutofhere

Hi there, I am a firefighter based in the uk i have a wife and two small boys, i am very interested in emigrating to canda to work as a firefighter but don't really know where to get started with the whole process.
If anyone has any advice to give me as to where to approach for job availability i would be so very grateful. I am not sure how the process works do i secure a job in canada first or apply for a visa to work???
Any advice would be so helpful!!!!
many thanks look forward to your response!!!

R I C H

In my experience there's a huge waiting list here (BC) to become a retained firefighter. I was invited to become a volunteer, and know of several individuals that have acted as auxiliary firefighters for over 5yrs and still haven't been able to secure a full time job.

Unless you've very specialist skills, I'd say the chances of emigrating on the basis of getting a firefighter job are slim.

macadian

Would agree with Rich on that. I know a couple of volunteer Aux fire fighters who have been on the waiting list to become retained full time firefighters for years! They tell me its the same throughout Canada in that regard.

Steve_P

I was just looking on the City of Calgary fire department website and you must be a "Canadian citizen, holder of a Permanent Resident card, Landed Immigrant or otherwise legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., holder of a work permit)." in order to apply.

City of Calgary Fire Department Minimum Qualifications

chumley

dont knbow about the rest of canada or city areas but here in NS the firefighters are volunteers and I would think you would have no problem getting in although I know there are waiting lists at some firehalls

husband is a volunteer firefighter and we are only visitors!!

this really is a fabulous ethic that folk do this on their own time for no pay cant imgaine that ever happening in the UK ...

ann m

I am not at all sure how it works, but I think our local firefighters are also (somewhat) medically trained to work in an 'ambulance' capacity. The lines between the various EMS services seem blurred here. And our local EMS people are not as highly trained in some areas as the city guys.

To actually come over here trying to get a job as a firefighter would be unlikely. One might need to get here on other job skills and then move towards the fire dept once established (as a PR / citizen) here. Let alone the different training that would be required.

Alternatively, if you have a high level of specialist skills in evacuation, or the old nuclear/biological stuff, or major incident training - that might be a way to find an "in" with a private company.

dingbat

There are thousands of volunteers in the UK who give of their time with no pay. The problem here is that sometimes volunteerism is used to replace what should be paid labour, and well meaning but unskilled volunteers are sometimes deployed inappropriately. Volunteer firefighters are just fine when you have a cow shed and a few houses to deal with. When you have ever-increasing populations in towns, I for one want fully trained full time firefighters at the local firehall, waiting for the calls. Not that long ago, three children died in a trailer park down the road, because the volunteer firefighters could not get there from their respective jobs fast enough. Absolutely not their fault, but if there was a paid crew waiting, the tragic outcome might have been different.

chumley

the volunteer firefighters here are certainly highly trained
my husband for one is trained in nuclear /biological doo dahs etc etc he would not have been excepted otherwise
he also does not work so is availble 24/7


they dont just take any jo bloggs who fancys a trip in a fire engine

the volunteers spend hours every week training

and I never noticed anybody in the uk do owt for nowt simply my experince though so please dont jump on me

also from personal experience still feel somewhat bitter re uk fire strikes as im sure anybody would when their Army husbnads get carted off to cover striking fireman when they are freshly off the plane from Iraq and are paid less

i think firefighters the world over do a fabby job paid or unpaid and no offence to any that did not go on strike

Rich_007

Same in Kelowna BC. Friend is a FTFF.

R.

R I C H

Agreed - I got invited to volunteer after putting out a neighbour's fire (hot tub was alight). I gave little thought to the toxic fumes or potential danger (other than ensuring there was no live electrics to it), just wanted to prevent the flames that were licking around the eve-trough and the heat cracking windows from engulfing the house.

The auxiliaries arrived well after the fire was out, and if I'd not been passing by the house would certainly not have survived. This house is within city limits, and the only solution I can see is for more full time retained firefighters to be available.

Rich_007

That would mean more public servants (BC Liberals will not like that) and tax increases. British Columbians do not like taxes, we get stiffed enough thanks.

The attituide is generally "if my house burns down because my bong caught fire there's always insurance". I wonder why insurance is so expensive.



R.

G586

Hardest "job" I've had was the two days a week I used to volunteer - managed 3 years at it, great stuff, lots of training & a great sense of accomplishment.

R I C H

You know my neighbour?

The hot tub was inches deep in nub-ends and discarded spliffs. She was comatose on the sofa inside.

Can't believe the insurer paid out on such an obviously negligent claim

Rich_007

Reminds me of the tale about the BC ski resort that had complimentary bongs in the liftee's shed & lift operators control room.

Ooh dear.


R.

firebrad

I am also a retained firefighter in the uk and would love to move to canada, however after reading your posts it seems an unlikely transfer. If you have questions on the retained fire service there is a forum at www.retainedfirefighter.com