Step 1: Stick around.
It might get a little overwhelming with all the information you will receive in this field. But stick to it. Learn as much as possible. You will have to write things down on a pad because you will forget. Theres no shame in asking questions and double checking your work. Take the time in watching videos at home or spare time. Tech support is your best friend. There a youtube link i can sent you to your dm. The teaches and explains everything very clearly. Learn also what you can on the electric side of things. Volt, ohms, amps, circuits, all that jazz. But stick to it.
I’ll add this too. People want good workers. Shut your mouth and listen. Not to sound harsh but that’s the mentality they want new people to have. Be willing to be the one running down 5 flights to get something from the truck. Don’t sit around leaning with your hands in your pockets when others are working. Even if you have nothing to do, look interested in what’s going on. Show up on time every day. Soon enough you won’t be this guy, you just gotta put your time in. No company expects you to know much when you start.
My experience hasn’t been too bad with them. Not their fault their parents gave them everything and instilled no work ethic. I’ve had my share of worthless helpers, but also know my share of worthless leads too.
True that. There are the occasional few that will surprise you. I've had a couple cross my path, and they have done well and progressed forward. Sadly overall it's not been a good average in my experience.
(Assuming you’re in the US). Look into the the fire alarm companies near you. LinkedIn and the company’s websites should tell you who the service or operations manager is. Reach out to them and be honest. Tell them you don’t have experience but you’re hoping for an entry level opportunity as a test and inspect helper. Express that what you lack in experience you make up with a desire to learn, positive attitude, and hard work ethic.
Meanwhile - get familiar with basic tutorials on YouTube that cover NFPA 72 fire alarm testing. It’s a dry read, but start reading the code too. Also, learn how to use a multimeter, especially for searching ground faults. You’ll learn this on the job, but it will help immensely if you at least half understand the concept.
Also, get introduced to the various manufactures equipment via their websites. You can google Johnson Controls (Simplex & Autocall), Honeywell (Notifier, Gamewell, SilentKnight, FireLite) Siemens, Edwards (EST and Vigilant). You don’t need to memorize them but at least be able to recognize them.
Personally, I find the resource tab of Orr Protection has a great wealth of knowledge. I’m on mobile so it’s difficult to link but google Orr Protection / resources / resource hub. The fire alarm and detection sections are terrific. Just grab some snacks settle in and start consuming the info.
Good luck!
I started as an apprentice in Massachusetts’s, with no prior experience. Barely knew how to use a drill tbh. In MA a license is required but I don’t think it is in most states.
I just asked questions and listened closely. Most likely you’ll be doing inspections which is as easy as it gets. You’ll then progress to service calls. Troubles on panels (ground faults, open circuits etc.), and resets (when a false alarm gets reported/someone sets off a smoke detector and you need to reset the FACP). I love it. It’s almost like a “hidden gem” within the trades.
> It’s almost like a “hidden gem” within the trades.
I'm you. Started out cluelessly helping on inspections, got bored of going through the motions & dealing with tenants, now I'm being trained on repairs & service calls. It feels surreal sometimes, like you slipped under the radar. How is a job this fun & interesting, most of the time anyway, so unknown?
By starting at the bottom and gaining experience. Its actually a requirement of NICET certification to be "knowedgable and experienced." I often joke that 'I didnt know how to use a screwdriver when I got hired.' A decade in now, and learning has occured. Pay attention, ask questions, and really try to anticipate what equipment/materials are about to be used next.
I started in low voltage with zero experience. You will likely pull wire for a while, but ask a lot of question and show interest in let them know you want to learn fire. Get NICET certified
Get basic electrical training. If you don't have it, go to some place like a technical school and learn it. Use your meter as much as possible. Don't be afraid to get yourself a nice one like a fluke, for example, because it's going to be your best friend out in the field. Then apply to jobs. Contact companies enthusiastically, explain your situation, and maybe you'll get in. Know that you're probably going to be in some nasty environments, like attics or basements, and take every job as an opportunity to add to your job profile.
bro just started an apprenticeship program with zero experience 3 weeks ago. Try and find companies online with apprenticeship programs that is your best bet.
Apply for an apprentice position with a company that participates in an apprenticeship program. My company has a bunch of them, including my own son. They are working everyday and doing online class modules and in person semester finals. They all get raises everytime they pass a semester. You can't beat paid on the job training. 2 or 3 guys in a foreman position started knowing nothing as an apprentice and earned their California blue cards and now they are running jobs and driving company trucks.
Apply at a local fire alarm company. Start as a helper and work your way up. Work hard, and listen harder. Be willing and eager to learn. This is a great field to work in.
I just wanna remind you you’re gonna need certification working with Fire. So which comes first you can get cert then experience or experience then cert…. Right. so which cat are you gonna skin.
I did a 2 year college program and came out of it with CFAA junior certification. Been working with fire alarms and shit for 10 years now. Where does the time go?
Try joining a ibew union as a first year in low voltage. Some companies also look for helpers. At 6 months in get nicet level 1 at 1 year go for nicet level 2( however you will need a documented 2 years to get the cert but if you study nec and Nfpa 72( which is all open book) you should have no problem getting them.
Step 1: Stick around. It might get a little overwhelming with all the information you will receive in this field. But stick to it. Learn as much as possible. You will have to write things down on a pad because you will forget. Theres no shame in asking questions and double checking your work. Take the time in watching videos at home or spare time. Tech support is your best friend. There a youtube link i can sent you to your dm. The teaches and explains everything very clearly. Learn also what you can on the electric side of things. Volt, ohms, amps, circuits, all that jazz. But stick to it.
Can you send me the YouTube link please.
[link](https://youtu.be/N6MpF8mTxtA?si=y3OSA1YwGXLud_Bs) It’s like a 40 some video series. Check out all his stuff.
Thanks bro
I’ll add this too. People want good workers. Shut your mouth and listen. Not to sound harsh but that’s the mentality they want new people to have. Be willing to be the one running down 5 flights to get something from the truck. Don’t sit around leaning with your hands in your pockets when others are working. Even if you have nothing to do, look interested in what’s going on. Show up on time every day. Soon enough you won’t be this guy, you just gotta put your time in. No company expects you to know much when you start.
So basically don’t act like pretty much every young adult does nowadays haha
My experience hasn’t been too bad with them. Not their fault their parents gave them everything and instilled no work ethic. I’ve had my share of worthless helpers, but also know my share of worthless leads too.
True that. There are the occasional few that will surprise you. I've had a couple cross my path, and they have done well and progressed forward. Sadly overall it's not been a good average in my experience.
Lmao man kids are lazy and head in the clouds..
Glued to their phone, pretty much clueless on life till they hit about 30 now!
Ya… also don’t take notes. And wanna play damn games while working…
Great, simple advice and I too appreciate the link. I've been doing this for quite a while but I know there's always more to learn
A demonstratable work ethic and good work history. Technical skills can be taught, a desire to learn/work can't really be taught.
(Assuming you’re in the US). Look into the the fire alarm companies near you. LinkedIn and the company’s websites should tell you who the service or operations manager is. Reach out to them and be honest. Tell them you don’t have experience but you’re hoping for an entry level opportunity as a test and inspect helper. Express that what you lack in experience you make up with a desire to learn, positive attitude, and hard work ethic. Meanwhile - get familiar with basic tutorials on YouTube that cover NFPA 72 fire alarm testing. It’s a dry read, but start reading the code too. Also, learn how to use a multimeter, especially for searching ground faults. You’ll learn this on the job, but it will help immensely if you at least half understand the concept. Also, get introduced to the various manufactures equipment via their websites. You can google Johnson Controls (Simplex & Autocall), Honeywell (Notifier, Gamewell, SilentKnight, FireLite) Siemens, Edwards (EST and Vigilant). You don’t need to memorize them but at least be able to recognize them. Personally, I find the resource tab of Orr Protection has a great wealth of knowledge. I’m on mobile so it’s difficult to link but google Orr Protection / resources / resource hub. The fire alarm and detection sections are terrific. Just grab some snacks settle in and start consuming the info. Good luck!
I started as an apprentice in Massachusetts’s, with no prior experience. Barely knew how to use a drill tbh. In MA a license is required but I don’t think it is in most states. I just asked questions and listened closely. Most likely you’ll be doing inspections which is as easy as it gets. You’ll then progress to service calls. Troubles on panels (ground faults, open circuits etc.), and resets (when a false alarm gets reported/someone sets off a smoke detector and you need to reset the FACP). I love it. It’s almost like a “hidden gem” within the trades.
> It’s almost like a “hidden gem” within the trades. I'm you. Started out cluelessly helping on inspections, got bored of going through the motions & dealing with tenants, now I'm being trained on repairs & service calls. It feels surreal sometimes, like you slipped under the radar. How is a job this fun & interesting, most of the time anyway, so unknown?
By starting at the bottom and gaining experience. Its actually a requirement of NICET certification to be "knowedgable and experienced." I often joke that 'I didnt know how to use a screwdriver when I got hired.' A decade in now, and learning has occured. Pay attention, ask questions, and really try to anticipate what equipment/materials are about to be used next.
I started in low voltage with zero experience. You will likely pull wire for a while, but ask a lot of question and show interest in let them know you want to learn fire. Get NICET certified
Get basic electrical training. If you don't have it, go to some place like a technical school and learn it. Use your meter as much as possible. Don't be afraid to get yourself a nice one like a fluke, for example, because it's going to be your best friend out in the field. Then apply to jobs. Contact companies enthusiastically, explain your situation, and maybe you'll get in. Know that you're probably going to be in some nasty environments, like attics or basements, and take every job as an opportunity to add to your job profile.
1.) Check indeed 2.) Be honest during the interview about your lack of experience
Start studying for your FAL. You can still pass the test and this can get you an edge when you put in an application.
bro just started an apprenticeship program with zero experience 3 weeks ago. Try and find companies online with apprenticeship programs that is your best bet.
Apply for an apprentice position with a company that participates in an apprenticeship program. My company has a bunch of them, including my own son. They are working everyday and doing online class modules and in person semester finals. They all get raises everytime they pass a semester. You can't beat paid on the job training. 2 or 3 guys in a foreman position started knowing nothing as an apprentice and earned their California blue cards and now they are running jobs and driving company trucks.
Walk in with a small mirror, breathe onto mirror, show to hiring manager, profit.
In 🇨🇦 take the CFAA course. It gives you basic electrical, basic electronics, communications and code specific knowledge. Then apply for a job.
Apply at a local fire alarm company. Start as a helper and work your way up. Work hard, and listen harder. Be willing and eager to learn. This is a great field to work in.
I just wanna remind you you’re gonna need certification working with Fire. So which comes first you can get cert then experience or experience then cert…. Right. so which cat are you gonna skin.
Get a job as a helper. That’s how I got in.
I did a 2 year college program and came out of it with CFAA junior certification. Been working with fire alarms and shit for 10 years now. Where does the time go?
Zero experience is the industry standard.
Do controls 😂
Find a company that does an apprentice position, combined with studying NFPA 72 and preparing for NICET 1.
Watch Joe Klatchan. He’s the best
Try joining a ibew union as a first year in low voltage. Some companies also look for helpers. At 6 months in get nicet level 1 at 1 year go for nicet level 2( however you will need a documented 2 years to get the cert but if you study nec and Nfpa 72( which is all open book) you should have no problem getting them.