From hairdresser to service technician for fire protection
January 2023: Instead of a comb and scissors, Patrick now has a screwdriver in his hand. No more small talk in the hairdressing salon, but customer discussions about fire doors, smoke warning systems and fire extinguishers. Patrick is now a service technician in technical fire protection - and couldn't be happier. ‘I worked as a hairdresser for ten years and I liked it,’ he says. ‘But it's a thankless job - a lot of work, not much money.’ Today, his everyday life is very different: more of the day and more money!
Get a taste of the job as a service technician
The path to the new job came via a recommendation. ‘A friend told me how exciting the job as a service technician for fire protection at CWS Fire Safety was.’ Patrick applied and was given the opportunity to do a trial working day. He travelled with a service technician: ‘We serviced fire extinguishers and checked smoke and heat extraction systems.’ After the trial day, it was clear to Patrick that he wanted to start as a service technician in technical fire protection.
From hairdressing salon to fire protection - is that possible?
This question is asked by many people who - like Patrick - come from a completely different professional background. But the skills Patrick learnt as a hairdresser also help him as a service technician in fire protection. ‘I definitely have sensitivity. When you're working on small components, you need steady hands. And when dealing with customers, I know how to be polite and professional.’
Fire protection is in his blood
However, Patrick was not completely unfamiliar with fire safety. He joined the volunteer fire brigade at the age of 11. ‘It fits in well with my job as a service technician in fire protection. When a call comes in, I can do that - my line manager supports that.’
Patrick now combines his knowledge of both fire protection worlds. His vision has sharpened: ‘I can quickly see when assembly points are blocked, for example. As a firefighter, I know that things could get tight in an emergency.’ He uses this knowledge in his job - and can thus not only protect human lives, but also make the work of the fire brigade easier.
Friends and challenges
What does Patrick particularly like about his new job? ‘The variety,’ he says without hesitation. Although the tasks are similar, every customer and every location brings new challenges. ‘Something always comes up, and then I have to find a solution - that's what makes the job as a service technician in fire protection exciting.’ He enjoys installing something new the most: ‘A SHEVS or a hold-open system on a fire door - I particularly enjoy that.’
However, there were also challenges. The first few months were intensive: training courses at the Fire Safety Academy, assignments with experienced colleagues. ‘Then I went out on my own. Sure, I was sometimes unsure. But I could always call someone or a colleague popped round. The team is simply great.’
CWS Fire Safety Koblenz - a strong team
Although Patrick lives a little further away and is not often in the Koblenz branch, he feels well integrated. The orders come in digitally and he collects the materials one to two weeks in advance. ‘And if something is missing, a colleague brings something - that works really well.’ Contact with the back office also runs smoothly.
Fire protection service technician - a job with a future
For Patrick, the job as a service technician in fire protection is not the end of the journey. ‘You can continue your training. There are many paths - be it into other fire protection trades or into a management position.’ He himself wants to achieve even more - and sees CWS Fire Safety as the best place to do so.
Patrick's advice for career changers
Patrick has a clear tip for anyone thinking about a change: ‘Have the courage! The job as a service technician in fire protection is varied. Once you're here, always ask if you're unsure - you can't know everything, no matter how long you've been here.’
Join the team
If you are currently working in a completely different industry and want to change your job, then take Patrick's tip: Be brave and take the plunge!
Send us your application as a service technician in fire protection - whether via a job offer or a speculative application. We look forward to hearing from you!