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OJT, Degree, or a combination
This is a blog that could actually turn into a good discussion as others read this and think about what is said as compared to what they have seen in their own department or area.
Recently, as may have happened in other areas, a person was given a position with out meeting the eligilbility requirements as set forth by the department mainly due to the fact of a degree. Now don't get me wrong, I think a degree is a good thing and has its place and use when appropriate. Do I think it should be the main factor that someone is given a position over another? At times if all other factors are the same, but it should not be the main factor.
Now let me set somethings up so you will understand why I am writing this blog and the reason I am asking some of the questions I am asking throughout this blog. As is known, education is very important in any job, but that education should come in many forms and not just through a college program. I do know that some degrees will allow us to become a probationary in some area, ie. inspections. This is all well and good if the person already holds lets say a level 1 inspector certificate, ie probationary level 2 due to a degree if already a level 1 inspector.
The situation I have is this, that someone that has never done an inspection nor is eligible to become an inspector at this time was given a promotion to the Inspection Department. How did he get the position? Well that is what a lot of others want to know. He does have a 2 year degree, which is good for him, but that is the only reason that he was given the position. That was also done against the desire of that Department head. With the degree it allows him to be a probationary level 2, as set up by whomever makes those decisions. Unfortantly I don't think that the way it is being used now is how it was intended, but because it is writen vaguely it is open to interpitation. The person has not passed the level 1 test as of yet, so should he be allowed to be a probationary level 2? Should not there be a more logical progression that takes into account a certain amount of OJT?
I will wait to see if any have an opinion on this so I can do some more thinking with others input, as it is always better than being one sided. Hope to hear from some on this.
Recently, as may have happened in other areas, a person was given a position with out meeting the eligilbility requirements as set forth by the department mainly due to the fact of a degree. Now don't get me wrong, I think a degree is a good thing and has its place and use when appropriate. Do I think it should be the main factor that someone is given a position over another? At times if all other factors are the same, but it should not be the main factor.
Now let me set somethings up so you will understand why I am writing this blog and the reason I am asking some of the questions I am asking throughout this blog. As is known, education is very important in any job, but that education should come in many forms and not just through a college program. I do know that some degrees will allow us to become a probationary in some area, ie. inspections. This is all well and good if the person already holds lets say a level 1 inspector certificate, ie probationary level 2 due to a degree if already a level 1 inspector.
The situation I have is this, that someone that has never done an inspection nor is eligible to become an inspector at this time was given a promotion to the Inspection Department. How did he get the position? Well that is what a lot of others want to know. He does have a 2 year degree, which is good for him, but that is the only reason that he was given the position. That was also done against the desire of that Department head. With the degree it allows him to be a probationary level 2, as set up by whomever makes those decisions. Unfortantly I don't think that the way it is being used now is how it was intended, but because it is writen vaguely it is open to interpitation. The person has not passed the level 1 test as of yet, so should he be allowed to be a probationary level 2? Should not there be a more logical progression that takes into account a certain amount of OJT?
I will wait to see if any have an opinion on this so I can do some more thinking with others input, as it is always better than being one sided. Hope to hear from some on this.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Duane M Messner on August 17, 2008 at 6:13pm
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Well it is good to see that I am not the only one that agrees that a combination of OJT and a degree program is the best way to go. As has been stated there needs to be a standard set, wether it be national or at the department level on this sensitive issue. I know many think that if you don't work your way up throught the ranks then you shouldn't hold some positions, which I can see, but at the same time I do know that there are some that have a natural ability to lead and for the fire service. So at the same time I am thinking that it could be based on an individual basis and their abilities. Yes the OJT is very important, just as is the education, but it should work hand in hand.
Thanks to those that responded and I hope that this may have caused others to think about this important issue. We must be watchful as the times change and decisions are getting made on what paper a person holds and not their ability to do the job or their qualifications. Paper does not mean qualified.
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Comment by roy yoder on August 10, 2008 at 3:59pm
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prime example of this is an engineer that never worked on the job. i am pondering the quest of a fire science degree with a school that gives credit to ojt and requires some core courses such as english and math. this would be a little in reverse of what you have stated, but yes i belive therr should be the horse before the cart unless it is a push cart. so an order is in order. A comes before B but politicians don't see straight anymore. we have thrown GOD out of most everything and therefore have made what we think as right or wrong and there is no standard.
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Comment by Brian Dumser on August 9, 2008 at 12:46pm
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In my opinion, the best is a combination of both. A person can have all the "book smarts" in the world, but if you've never actually done the job "hands on", you really don't have a clue. Just like the guys that belong to the "Certification of the Month Club", you can have all the paper in the world, but you gain skill and experience by actually DOING the job. That's my 2 cents...stay safe!
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