career choices???

hey guys as some of you may or may not know i am in school in pittsburgh for collision and refinishing but im not to sure i want to do it for a living anymore because the industry looks rather gloomy and as far as benefits there is none unless you work for a dealership. my question is what is a good career to get into that i can get into an apprenticeship without spending money for going to school like i am now? thanks

Ever think about becoming a firefighter? You get excellent benefits (20 or 25 year retirement, medical, dental,paid vacation). You also have a crap pot load of time off. I work 4 days in a row (2-10 hour days followed by 2-14 hour night shifts) then I have 4 days off. So with you 4 days off you can work any number of part time jobs or just work on the jeep and wheel. I know this is a long way off but if you ever get married and have kids you get to spend a TON of time with you kids...which is priceless. All in all it is a great job and I would not think of doing anything else. If you have any other questions PM me.


Matt

how well is the pay?

Starts around 30k as a firefighter. But you get "built" raises every year for the first 10 years, A firefighters pay "tops out around 65K". Tons of promotion oppurtunities. A Captain with 25 years on the job makes like 115k. Not bad for only needing a high school education. Most of us work part time jobs in the begininng to make ends meet.

and where do you work baltimore city fd?

No Baltimore County. The pay is better than the city. Another benefit is that all of the training is FREE. You can get a head start by joining a local volunteer fire company. They can get you all of your training and it looks good on the application when you apply for a career FD.

a little off topic or josh, but ffhill, do u happen to know kevin endres, he is a ff for baltimore county also.

on topic talk to pomp really, i know ur pretty good at auto body and im sure he will give ya good advice.

Kevin and I work on the same shift. Nice guy. How do you know him?

I know Construction sucks right now but the trades are still looking for good people. Plumber Electritan, HVAC. You could join the Union and get trainind on the job and free school. I would recomend Electric.

The FD sounds pretty good too though.

JEEPERX wrote:

I know Construction sucks right now but the trades are still looking for good people. Plumber Electritan, HVAC. You could join the Union and get trainind on the job and free school. I would recomend Electric.

The FD sounds pretty good too though.

I agree 100% with that. Seems that most people with a trade are still working.

The FD has some down sides. You have to work nights, weekends, and Holidays (I have not had a Christmas off in 11 years). You are out in the elements, snow, wind, rain, and hot summer days. It also may take you a couple of years to get hired..lots of applicants. But it is not impossilble...the hired me ....

BTW Happy Birthday Bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i appreciate all the info because i am 18 ( 19 on thursday ) and i want to get a good jump on a good career. so in your opinion what would be the steps to take as soon as i get out of this place to get me on the path to be a county firerighter

Keep checking the county website. The application process takes 4 to 5 months. So apply early. The fire department likes to see people that keep applying even if you do not get hired the first time.(i applied 4 times) They also like to see guys with a little volunteer experience. Volunteering is a great way to find out if the job is for you or not without wasting much time. The Susequehanna Hose Co. has lots of stations in HDG and they are always looking for help. But the fire department always hires people with no experience at all. Stay in good shape the application process involves a physical ability test, written test (piece of cake), and a back ground check. Also check Baltimore City (good retirement, so-so pay). Both departments are experiencing HUGE retirements...those spots have to filled by somone. When you are home from school PM me and you can come by the fire house and talk with some of the guys. It also helps to get your EMT (emergency medical tech.) certification ( you will get it in the fire academy if you get hired). Some guys get hired as EMTS work a couple of months as an EMT and transfer to the fire engine. All that time also counts towards your retirement. Any other questions just ask.

sweet man i appreciate it alot i will be home for a week in the beginning of april and i will most definatley get in touch with you so i can take a visit
thanks alot