A career in firefighting is definitely not for everyone. Not only is the job very demanding, but it is equally difficult to perform it. Keeping calm under pressure is the biggest challenge that firefighters generally face. Another thing is that they are expected to report to the duty even at odd hours.
Firefighting is a kind of job that requires patience and complete dedication to serve the community while putting your own comfort at the backseat. It may sound heroic but those who have gone through the drill understand it.
While there is a huge demand for firefighters in Canada, the hiring process is really tough. Graduates with formal education and prior hands-on-experience are preferred over fresher college pass outs. Besides, what route you want to take with respect to your firefighting career also makes a crucial difference. Job opportunities on part time as well as full time are available.
If you want to educate yourself about various career options in firefighting along with obtaining a basic training in this field, probably a pre-service firefighter education and training program is best for you. Such programs are available in colleges in Ontario through collaboration with Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal.
What is a Pre-service Firefighting Program?
A pre-service firefighter program runs for one year and aims to develop skills in areas, such as fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental protection. The program combines classroom learning, hands-on-lab in patient care and practical training utilizing the facilities at Toronto Fire Services.
While many colleges in Ontario offer pre-service or advanced firefighter courses in Toronto, but not all are affiliated with the state governing body or Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal. It’s important to research and learn about the curriculum and other significant details.
The course is dedicated to help students gain understanding and practical training in fire service, fire ground operations, emergency patient care, using fire equipments, fire suppression, rescue operations, environmental protection and fire safety inspection. The program also focuses on obtaining firefighting pre-graduate experience to the students. This helps them decide what career option to opt for after the program completion.
What can You Do after the Completion of Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training?
Once you complete one year pre-service course in firefighting, you are eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial test as you meet knowledge and skill outcomes required by them in the areas of:
- Community education
- Fire suppression
- Emergency patient care
- Fire prevention
- Special rescue operations
- Environmental protection
Besides, you also meet minimum legal, ethical and safety requirements to pursue a career in firefighting. As a graduate of this program, you are capable of safely using fire equipments, apparatus and tools and communicating effectively using verbal and non-verbal methods in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Applying for a Pre-service Firefighting Program
You need to work on your credentials before applying for the program. Not only is the hiring process tough, but enrolling in a course is equally challenging. To apply for the course, you need:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
- Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
- One Science Grade 11 or 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Exercise Science)
In addition, you also need to complete a self-identifying questionnaire. After admission, you need to submit:
- Clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
- Clear medical report
- Proof of immunization
- Complete CPR and First Aid Training
You should also have 20/30 vision in each eye without corrective lenses and normal unaided hearing. Other requirements vary from college to college.
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