a) The CNA program sounds great and several of my friends went that route and it worked well for them. Also, there is something similar, the Radiological program for X-rays etc also offered at local colleges. b) I know a few people starting out as electricians, plumbing, and something called steam fitting plumbing. Some of these jobs are hard on the knees and back as you get older. c) The fireman is nice, I’ve known a few fireman who worked on business investment during their off work cycle.
For any job I’ve always had, I’ve always worked a plan B option to prepare myself should I leave my current job. Work always got my 100-pct commitment, so plan B preparation would involve off work study, but I was able to transition successfully across several different industries with substantially different required skill sets. I would not manipulate work to prepare for my new career but I could often find some of my news skills helping me in my current job.
You did not well articulate your current skill set. So, it’s a little hard to help nail down areas that match your skillset. But, your response seems to indicate you want to follow the rules. There are probably some areas of inspection or audit work that you would align with. So, fire inspection, etc?