Working in one of these difficult blue-collar jobs is not for the faint of heart. The hours are long, often involving shift work and overtime. You must often work in inclement weather, and you will frequently be facing dangerous, even life-threatening, conditions. You will also be exposed to incredibly high stress, and will be dealing with people at their most emotionally vulnerable times. But, not all parts of the blue-collar jobs in the emergency services field are bad. There are tremendous benefits to these positions as well.
If you have never considered going into these fields, some of the benefits will help balance out the challenges. Aside from the feelings you get when you have helped someone in danger or with a medical or fire emergency, you generally are offered good benefits. The job security is also a tremendous draw for many. When working in the blue-collar jobs within emergency services, the relationships you build with co-workers and the community are a great plus.
Entering emergency services is not an automatic jump to the top of the career ladder, but if you are seeking a job with good potential for growth, you may want to consider one of these blue-collar jobs that can lead to a supervisory or administrative career over time.
So, how does one go about beginning a career in one of these demanding blue-collar jobs with the government?
Research
Before you decide you want to be a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic, read up on the real job responsibilities involved. Different jurisdictions have different requirements. In some areas you might have to double up on the given job description to be employable in one of these blue-collar jobs. It is strongly recommended that you talk with several people who work in the field and go for rides in a police department or emergency services vehicle. This will give you a feeling for what the workday is really like.
There are tedious aspects to this work. It isn't always riding out with lights and sirens blaring to save the day. That is actually a very small part of these jobs.
Education
Once you have decided that you have the heart to work in this field and have started networking, you should go ahead and obtain the necessary schooling. For some of the blue-collar jobs you will be applying for, there are specific certifications. With your prior research, you will know what kind of license or licenses you must hold. Look into the different schools in your area, and find out which works best with your current schedule and is the most affordable.
Some departments will pay for schooling if you apply, depending on the demand for these blue-collar jobs at that time. Contact the human resources personnel with the different departments in your area, and find out if you have to have your license in order to apply.
Experience
Some of the good blue-collar jobs you could get may result from volunteer experience. If you want to start adding relevant work experience to your resume before you have the proper credentials, find a department to volunteer in. Rescue squads and volunteer fire departments will work around your availability. Not only will you be getting experience to add to your resume, but you will also be getting a feel for the blue-collar jobs you are applying for, and you will be networking with others who work in the profession at the same time.
Turning Those Blue-Collar Jobs into a Career
If you are going in as the low man on the totem pole, so to speak, how do you work your way up into a career position? Several factors come into play here. Pure staying power in this high-stress field will help you work your way up through the ranks over time. Many of these positions depend heavily on seniority, often within a single department. That is why your research and choice of school is so important when deciding if the blue-collar jobs in emergency services are right for you.
With seniority, you may get preferred shifts. Then you may become a shift supervisor or trainer, in charge of one particular area. As you continue to prove yourself, you will eventually be moved up to a senior supervisor position. With enough time and experience, you will qualify to work on the administrative side of things.
Emergency services will continue to grow in demand as our society grows more metropolitan. Obviously, the larger cities will have more opportunities for growth, but most of the blue-collar jobs in this profession offer tremendous benefits.
The insurance, time off, vacation pay, and friendships make blue-collar jobs in emergency services desirable to many. The potential for growth will allow you to start at the bottom of the ladder in these blue-collar jobs but quickly climb upwards to establish a career in a field that is seen as a noble and heroic profession by many.
