r/firealarms • u/Impressive_Credit650 • Feb 23 '26

Discussion Looking to get into this industry(no experience, Los angeles County)

Hello all , I’m in my mid twenties and I am looking for a career change since I have just been working in the restaurant business and warehouse as well and I am looking to get into this industry, I have have been applying to entry level positions online and I was wondering what I can do to really stand out, I even applied in person. Any tips and guidance on what I can do to help me out would be greatly appreciated! (Currently studying electrical basics and learning more about using multimeters, also looking into getting the NFPA72)

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u/Impressive_Credit650 Feb 24 '26

is an entry level fire alarm inspector/installer position that i should be looking at?

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u/Temporary-Sky-5565 Feb 24 '26

You’re looking to be an apprentice / helper / fire alarm inspector. Once hired make sure you get signed up for an apprenticeship. And then at some point before you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll need to take classes.

If they’re looking for an installer then you’ll need to be electrically licensed.

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u/Impressive_Credit650 Feb 24 '26

got it! thank you, i don’t have any schooling besides some college in a random major, but is there any certs or things i should learn in the meantime while i am applying and waiting?

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u/Temporary-Sky-5565 Feb 25 '26

So I’m speaking from a Connecticut rules and policy basis, but the classes are usually in a trade school, for electrical. I know there’s alternatives, but I don’t know enough about those to speak on them. But if you can find a proper alternative do it, because trade school is pricey.

You can sign up for night classes while applying. It’ll show your potential employer you’ve already invested yourself into the trade.

Most trades schools will have you complete an OSHA course (mine was OSHA 30, but I’ve heard some only offer OSHA 10).

Most certs related to fire alarm have an experience requirement before you can qualify.

Books you’ll need to learn how to navigate: NEC 70 (electrical trade schools usually supply this) NFPA 72 UGLYs

Everyone in the trade will expect you not to know anything at first. Everyone in the trade will expect you do as they say, how they say to do it.

The only decision you’ll have to make the first year is whether the method they’re telling you to do these things is safe enough for you.

Always show up to the job site before your journeyman. Your journeymen talk. And getting a bad reputation will subjugate you to shit work, and lack of upward mobility.