Matthew Baber’s new career could not be more different from the one he left behind.
The former toolmaker has swapped his years in the automotive industry for firefighting and has landed a job with Hoppers Crossing CFA.
He has been joined by former senior constable Chris Gleeson.
The pair were among 21 career firefighters to graduate from the CFA’s Fiskville Training College on June 6.
Mr Baber, of Altona Meadows, said he was looking forward to learning from the brigade’s volunteers.
“It’s all about working together towards a common goal and I really like the team aspect,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know different people. I think it’s good to help and give back to the community.”
East Keilor’s Mr Gleeson spent 10 years in the police force before deciding firefighting was his real passion.
He said that as a police officer, he would admire the camaraderie shared by the firefighters he encountered at crime scenes.
“I’d think, that’s what I want to do,” Mr Gleeson said. “It’s all about getting out there and helping people.”
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said the new firefighters had spent 16 weeks training for their new careers and would now play a key role in supporting the station’s volunteers.
“They have learned and practised the skills they will require to successfully embark on their new careers as firefighters,” he said.
“They should feel proud of their accomplishments and I welcome them to the CFA family.”
