FYI for those waiting for Boylston...I got a call from Howard Lebowitz today on behalf of Linda Kearns. The three candidates we had slated for the academy have been removed from the list. They are only taking people with F.T. appointments. No part-timers, and the jury is out whether or not part-timers will be permitted to full-time academies in the future. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...I'll keep the board posted if there are any new developments.
A bit of advice for those of you trying to break in...HEAD SOUTH. Until the over-abundance of academy graduates without jobs dries up, it is highly doubtful that a non-civil service town will pick you up. As far a civil service goes, don't hold your breath, scoring a 100% doesn't even guarantee you a job.
Years ago, you needed to be hired by a department full-time to go to the F.T. academy. The MCJTC was trying to do a good thing by letting P.T. officers get sponsored to attend the academy, but I think the good gesture back-fired. Now there are tons of people out there with the academy and no job. This prohibits local chiefs from hiring who they want if they don't have the academy. Selectmen do not want to appoint someone they have to pay for six months in the academy when there are trained people available to start working tomorrow. For what its worth, don't give up. Head south while you're young and single. Get an academy and some experience, enjoy the beach for a couple of years, then head back home if MA is really where you want to be
But once again...what do I know ? 8)