What It Takes to Becoming a Fire Fighter?

Firefighting is one of the most respected professions in Canada. This is because of the important role of firefighters in saving lives, property and environment, by carrying out emergency rescue operations.

Firefighting is a rigorous job and is certainly not for faint-hearted. Therefore, if you're considering a career in this field, make sure that you're physically fit, capable of handling immense pressure and dedicated to serve the community.

As said earlier, the job of a firefighter is not easy and neither is the process of becoming one. Hiring process is really tough. So, you must know beforehand what you're getting into. The job of a firefighter is to work effectively with other members of the fire service team and pre-hospital emergency care providers, in order to save lives, suppress fire and protect environment from further destruction. Most often, they are the first emergency personnel to arrive at the scene of fire and perform emergency rescue operations.

The job may include working at odd hours. The professionals are required to work in myriad of settings, including metropolitan areas, rural areas, forest, gas stations, airports, chemical plants and other industrial sites. During their regular work hours, they work at fire stations and make preparations to respond immediately to fires and other emergencies.

Becoming a Firefighter

If you're interested in becoming a fire fighter, you will have to meet the knowledge and skill outcomes required by the Ontario Office of Fire Marshal (OFM) curriculum in the areas of community education, fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency patient care, environmental protection and special rescue operations.

In order to gain the knowledge and skills required to build career in this field, you will need to have undergone at least a post-secondary pre-service firefighter program in Toronto. The one-year program provides you with theoretical and practical understanding in all aspects of fire fighting. The program runs for three semesters and covers a wide range of subjects, including Communications, Introduction to Fire Service, Fire Ground Operations, Emergency Patient Care, Fire Equipment, Fire Suppression, Fitness, Rescue Operations, Environmental Protection, Fire Safety Inspection, and Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social Action.

The course also includes professional preparation through firefighter pre-graduate experience. They receive practical training under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Studying Firefighting in Toronto

Numerous colleges in Toronto offer pre-service firefighter courses. But it's important to choose a college that is recognized and offers strong employment prospects. Centennial College's program in pre-service firefighting is delivered in partnership with Toronto Fire Services. Moreover, the program is in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal.

It combines theory and practical, preparing you to work effectively in a team to save lives and suppress fire. Simulation training is also provided to you under the guidance of qualified instructors. In addition to this, you also gain practical experience in ‘live fire burns' at the City of Toronto's Fire Training Academy and the Emergency Patient Care at college's Healthcare Simulation Centre.

Learn What It Takes to Launch a Firefighter Career in Ontario

Any college curriculum that includes input from professional organizations in the field offers additional benefits for a number of reasons. First, it signals to employers that the program is endorsed by respected organizations. Secondly, it ensures that students are obtaining totally up-to-date knowledge. Thirdly, a curriculum with input from professional organizations give students the opportunity to network with the men and women whom will become their peers once they graduate.

One Centennial College program with a curriculum that was approved by a professional organization is the firefighter program known as Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training. It focuses on offering students theory and practical training that is in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

As such, students are exposed to the full array of topics that they will need to be eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial testing. Some fire departments now require or prefer applicants who have completed the Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training program before hiring. It is expected that the program will increasingly become a minimum criterion for fire service hiring.

Each firefighter course in this offering contains some form of hands-on practice, small group-teaching scenarios and simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors. Additionally, students develop skills in fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental protection, through the training facilities at Toronto Fire Services and Centennial's state-of-the-art patient care lab. Lastly, students gain practical experience in various activities such as "live fire burns" at the City of Toronto's Fire Training Academy and the Emergency Patient Care at Centennial's Healthcare Simulation Centre at Morningside Campus.

Thanks to coverage that includes topics such as: fire equipment, fire suppression, fire ground operations fitness, rescue operations, fire safety inspection, professional preparation, fitness and more, students graduate with the ability to:

• After identifying personal and professional developmental resources or activities, use them to promote growth and contribute to lifelong learning;
• Beware of and live up to ethical, legal and safety requirements of professionals in the fire service industry;
• Use safe practices and techniques when handling fire department apparatus, tools and equipment;
• Confidently, professionally and using empathy, interact with others in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations;
• Demonstrate respect and care when communicating effectively with diverse communities and their members;
• Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations;
• Work effectively with other members of the fire service team, pre-hospital emergency care providers and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations;
• And more

Firefighter - Pre Service Education and Training Program

Centennial College's pre-service firefighter program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a firefighter. This comprehensive training program provides you with the skills in fire suppression, rescue operations, environmental protection and emergency patient care, meeting both local and provincial fire service needs.

The pre-service firefighter education and training course runs for one year through three semesters. In the first semester, you're introduced to fire service, fire ground operations, fire equipment, fitness, fire suppression and emergency patient care. The second semester covers more advanced courses in fire suppression, environmental protection, fire safety inspection and rescue operations. In this semester, you're prepared to work as a professional firefighter.

The semester three of the program gives you a pre-graduate experience. You gain practical experience in various activities, such as “live fire burns”, fire suppression, environmental protection and rescue operations at Toronto Fire Service Training Academy and Centennial College's state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Centre.

The Centennial Difference

Although a number of colleges offer pre-service firefighter courses in Canada but Centennial College offers you numerous additional benefits.

1.It is a standardized pre-service firefighting education and training program that is delivered in collaboration with Toronto Fire Services.

2.It gives you an eligibility to write the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial testing.

3.The program focuses on developing effective communication skills and prepares them to use verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic methods.

4.It teaches students to safely use fire apparatus, tools and equipment.

5.It lays a strong emphasis on ethical, safety and legal requirements to work in the industry.

6.It incorporates practical hands-on training throughout the program duration.

7.The simulation training is given under the guidance of qualified instructors.

8.The program focuses on both personal and professional development of students.

Who Can Apply for This Program?

Although this program is open for everyone who has completed secondary education and meet minimum academic requirements in English, Math and Science. However, it is recommended that you should apply to this course only if you:

• Are genuinely interested in building a career in firefighting
• Exhibit strong physical and emotional fitness levels
• Are ready to work even at odd hours to serve the community
• Can handle the stress that comes as a part and parcel of this job

The job of firefighting is not for faint-hearted. You need to be emotionally strong while being sensitive towards the need of people at the same time.

Academic Requirements

In order to apply for this program, you will need to send your application to the college, along with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate, and scores in English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent, Math Grade 11 M or 12 C or University, or equivalent, and one Science Grade (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Exercise Science) 11 or 12 C or University, or equivalent.

Once your application is received, the college will mail you a self-identifying questionnaire. It's mandatory to complete the questionnaire and return it immediately. The admission is granted on the basis of your grades and your responses against the questions.

Pre Service Firefighter Education and Training Gives Graduates An Advantage

The job of firefighter is complex. It involves not only extinguishing hazardous fires that threaten property and civilian or natural populations but also rescuing people from dangerous situations, like collapsed or burning buildings.

Today, many fire departments require or prefer applicants who have completed a firefighter program prior to applying. Centennial College's Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training program is one such undertaking. It focuses on offering students theory and practical training that is in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM). This is achieved through lectures and practical courses that include simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors and practical experience in various activities such as “live fire burns” at the City of Toronto's Fire Training Academy and the Emergency Patient Care at Centennial's Healthcare Simulation Centre.

Here is a closer look at some of the courses in this program.

Fire Ground Operations: The Incident Management Systems is introduced through content that address the observational, assessment, problem solving and decision making skills required by firefighters. Students are also familiarized with the role of the firefighter en route to the fire scene and at the fire scene, fire cause determination, fire scene security and post-incident analysis and review.

Emergency Patient Care: Students get an overview of the Ontario emergency medical care system with emphasis on the specific role and responsibilities of the firefighter emergency patient care responders and the teamwork essential to the effectiveness of the EMS response. Included are legislation, regulations, standards, and established policies, procedures and protocols as well the role of members of the emergency response team and the specific role of the firefighter emergency care responder.

Fire Equipment: Firefighters must be fully versed in the equipment they use to fight fires, not only for their safety but the safety of those on the scene. As such, this course first examines the anatomy of a fire and then the purpose, types, uses and limitations of protective clothing. For this aspect, students get to try out personal protective clothing and equipment including maintaining, storing, cleaning and inspecting. They also look at the breathing apparatus and its component parts; common ropes and knots used to raise and lower firefighter equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations; types and sizes of ladders used in the fire service and different methods used in carrying, raising, climbing and working on ground ladders; lighting equipment and its operation in order to provide illumination of the scene; and more.

Fire Suppression: Split into two parts, the first course focuses on the design and components of municipal water supply systems and rural water supplies, as well as the types and operation of hydrants and methods of determining flow. It also specifies considerations, procedures and precautions necessary to successfully extinguish the four classes of fire and compressed gas cylinder fires. The second, meanwhile, defines ventilation as it applies to the fire service and describes the concepts, types, procedures, precautions, and equipment associated with ventilation operations.

After completing each firefighter course, students are eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial testing.

Pre service Firefighter Education and Training in Ontario

The pre-service firefighter education and training is a one-year post-secondary program that teaches potential firefighting professionals theoretical and practical aspects of firefighting. It aims to help students develop skills in fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental protection. Graduates of a pre-service firefighter program are capable of:

• Working with fire-service teams and pre-hospital emergency care providers
• Providing support as a team member in emergency and non-emergency situations
• Using problem solving and decision making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations
• Demonstrating confidence, professionalism and sensitivity in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations
• Using safe practices and techniques with apparatus, tools and equipments of fire department
• Communicating effectively using electronic, written, verbal and non-verbal methods of communication
• Ensuring ethical, safety and legal requirements for operating in fire safety industry
• Developing the skills required to suppress fire, educate community, offer firefighter emergency patient care, protect environment and conduct special rescue operations
• Working in teams with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others

The profession of firefighting is not for everyone. Those who are genuinely interested in serving others and having a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives should consider entering the fire service industry. The job also demands emotional stability and ability to work in flexible shifts and stressful situations.

Pre-service Firefighter Courses in Canada

The pre-service firefighter courses in Canada typically run for one year and cover a wide range of subjects including:

• Introduction to fire service
• Fire ground operations
• Emergency patient care
• Fire equipment
• Fire suppression
• Rescue operations
• Environmental protection
• Fire safety inspection
• Professional preparation
• Social analysis to social action

Students also gain practical experience in rescue operations and fire suppression while utilizing training facilities at Toronto Fire Services and the state-of-the-art patient care lab.

Enrollment Guide

In order to apply for a pre-service firefighter course, you will 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)
• To complete a self-identifying questionnaire

After admission, you will need to submit:

• Clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
• Clear medical report
• Proof of immunization
• Complete CPR and First Aid Training
• Class DZ driving licence

In addition, you should also have 20/30 vision in each eye without corrective lenses and normal unaided hearing.

Choosing the Right College in Ontario

A number of colleges in Ontario offer pre-service firefighter education and training. Unfortunately, not all are accredited to a state governing body. While choosing a college in Canada, ensure that the program:

• Curriculum is approved by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM)
• Combines theory and practical
• Provides field placement
• Makes you eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshall Provincial Testing
• Is taught in partnership with Toronto Fire Services

Centennial College's pre-service firefighter education and training program meets all these criteria and prepares you for an exciting career in fire service industry.

College Creates Real Fire to Spark Hands on Training for Future Firefighters

Don't think that learning stops once college is over and you have a career. Professionals will tell you that you have to keep up with industry trends and issues. However, this one career path asks you keep up with training in order to meet the demands of the job. While these professionals need to stay up-to-date with new and revised procedures and advancement in technology, they also need to be physically ready. They are firefighters, and they need to be prepared to jump into action once an emergency call is placed.

In order to become a firefighter, individuals must go through a pre-firefighter program before entering the field. This can be found at Centennial College's Morningside campus, through the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training (1260) program. The one-year program is structured teach firefighter courses in Centennial College filled with knowledge about the practices in the profession and practice on how professionals react to different situations.

The series of courses will prove beneficial on the field. An introduction to the fire services will illuminate the roles and responsibilities of firefighters and discuss the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for the job. Many people only associate firefighters to fire crises, but these professionals have plenty of work on other tasks related to medical and emergency services. In the introductory course, students will learn day-to-day activities, such as training and equipment maintenance. They will also learn about emergency protocols for rescue missions, even if fire is not involved. Additionally, firefighters educate the public on fire prevention and other fire-related topics. They also serve as teachers on courses, including First Aid and CPR.

The bulk of the curriculum focuses on hands-on training, which is crucial to this profession. The skills learned and experience gained will help towards breaking into the job market. Many fire departments and other fire services require firefighters to obtain a college diploma from an accredited program, but also want skilled and experienced workers. Centennial focuses on applied learning, where its lectures classes relate to job tasks, which many are practiced during lab simulations. Its curriculum is based on industry practices and specifications by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM). Additionally, the classes are taught by experienced professionals in the field as Centennial partnered with the Toronto Fire Services.

After two semesters of academic learning, students have the opportunity to test their skills in a controlled environment. The Firefighter Pre-Graduate Experience trains students with basic firefighting skills. Centennial takes practical training up one level by adding live fire, which is contained in a simulated work space. Students can apply the knowledge gained from other courses, such as fire ground operations, rescue operations, and fire suppression, to this realistic field experience.

Student firefighters at Centennial can achieve the preparation required to start a career in the fire services after graduation. The firefighter program teaches a balance of academics and practical training, where students can reach their full potential and graduate with the right credentials for the profession. The simulated environment enabled students to have extensive training with fire, while being supervised by experienced faculty members. Graduates praised this program for preparing them for emergency and non-emergency situations in the fire service team.

Benefits of a Pre Service Firefighter Program Ontario

A pre-service firefighter program is designed to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in

• Fire suppression
• Rescue operations
• Environmental protection
• Emergency patient care
• Fire prevention
• Community education
• Special rescue operations

Individuals considering building a career in firefighting may enrol in this program before taking up a more advanced course at college or university. This helps them

• Explore various career paths in firefighting
• Meet knowledge and skills outcome required by the OFM (Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall) curriculum in diverse firefighting areas
• Obtain practical and live training at the Toronto Fire Academy and other fire services training facilities
• Meet minimum legal, safety and ethical requirements to pursue a career in firefighting
• Learn to use fire equipment, apparatus and tools
• Develop basic employment skills

They also come to know about

• The level of commitment that the job of a firefighter requires
• The level of physical fitness firefighters need to actively and quickly perform their job
• The level of emotional stability the professionals need to deal with devastating situations
• How quickly they need to act in emergency situations to confine environmental hazards
• How challenging and demanding the job of a firefighter is

The one-year program gives students an in-depth understanding of basic fire science and job duties of firefighters, so that they can choose the right career path for themselves. It combines in-class learning, simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors, and group-teaching scenarios.

Enrolling in a Firefighter Program

Not only the job of a firefighter is challenging, but enrolling in a course is equally tough. In order to apply for a pre-service firefighter course, you will 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)
• To complete a self-identifying questionnaire

After admission, you will need to submit:

• Clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
• Clear medical report
• Proof of immunization
• Complete CPR and First Aid Training
• Class DZ driving licence

In addition, you should also have 20/30 vision in each eye without corrective lenses and normal unaided hearing.

Choosing the Right College

A number of colleges in Ontario offer pre-service firefighter courses. However, before applying with a college, make sure that the program

• Curriculum is approved by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM)
• Provides field placement
• Includes real-life work experience
• Teaches you to communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic methods
• Incorporate practical and live fire training
• Makes you eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshall Provincial Testing
• Is taught in partnership with Toronto Fire Services

Centennial College's one year pre-service firefighting education and training program fulfills all these criteria and provides extensive real-life training to students, allowing them apply principles, practices and procedures of fire science into practice.

Qualified firefightersendure live fire training prior to working in the field

A career in firefighting can be exhilarating but the underlying circumstances remain serious on the job at hand. Therefore, a mature demeanor is expected to these emergency service professionals. Experience and time will raise a skilled firefighter but firefighter courses in Toronto can produce qualified individual to aid in rescue operations.

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is part of the Ontario government's Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, where they establish policies regarding fire prevention and services for the province. This includes the level of skills required for firefighters in fire services, so a postsecondary education approved by the OFM is highly desirable for hiring fire departments. The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training (1260) program from Centennial College meet the standards of the OFM and is highly regarded as the training school for future firefighters. Here are some program highlights that Centennial is known for:

• One-year firefighter education in courses related to fire safety and rescue operations, including methods on fire suppression and purpose and usage of different fire equipment
• Knowledge of operational procedures of a fire service, with an overview of the Incident Management System, the dispatch system in a fire department, and the steps for quickly and effectively using a self-contained breathing apparatus
• Emergency patient care course on how to respond to situations in medical and social terms
• Fitness class to train firefighters for the physical demands of the job and to prepare them for the physical testing required for professional firefighters
• Student firefighter experience with live fire training at the Toronto Fire Academy and other Toronto Fire Services training facilities
• Graduates with high aptitude in safe and ethical fire practices, implementing techniques that promote community and environment development
• Vast fire terminology teaching so students can communicate better with other emergency responders and the public
• Career course tailored for firefighter students, preparing them for aptitude tests, the application process, and the interview process

Becoming a firefighter requires physical and emotional demands, in addition to practical experience. However, many fire services highly prefer graduates with some knowledge and experience in firefighting, which is something that Centennial College offers in its firefighter program. Students enrolled in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program receive in-depth preparation for a career in fire departments and emergency services. Graduates are skilled and mentally prepared to face a high-intensity and promising career as a firefighter.

A Pre service Firefighting Program Helps You Choose the Most Suitable Career Option in Firefighting

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.

Firefighter program sparks rigorous training with live fire simulations

Working in the public service is very demanding, serving the public and putting others’ well-being before your own in emergency situations. Firefighters are called to duty in times of fire, and other cases of peril. The glorious but high-stake career in firefighting has its benefits:

• Generous wages and salaries, with an average full-timer earning $60,000 – $70,000.
• Current good job outlook in Canada.
• Early retirement.

Although the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma, many jobs are now requiring college-level education from future firefighters. The governing body of the 458 municipal fire departments in Ontario, The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), states that learning theory and basic firefighting skills in community colleges increases the likelihood of employment. The OAF, the Office of the Fire Marshal, and the fire services partnered with colleges to produce curriculums that satisfy a Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program. Centennial College offers a firefighter program, spanning two semesters of classroom training and a third semester for the Firefighter Pre-Graduate Experience, the practical component of the program. Its Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training (1260) program

Centennial provides rigorous educational training with an introduction to the role of firefighters and the Ontario fire service and more technical courses on:

• The responsibilities of the emergency medical services,
• The techniques in using ropes, knots, and ladders,
• Generic and rescue skills and basic vehicle extrication skills,
• Water extinguishment theory and the proper usage of water streams, and
• Classroom and physical component in fitness, involving cardio-pulmonary training, strength training, endurance and circuit training.

Firefighters respond to other emergencies other than those related to fire. When an emergency call is placed, a group of emergency medical services, comprising of the police force, medical team, and firefighters, arrive at the scene. Therefore, Centennial students learn patient care management and skills to provide knowledgeable decision-making skills in assessing the scenarios. Firefighters can encounter a host of different events such as childbirth, hypothermia, anaphylactic shock and poisoning.

The firefighter program at Centennial College includes the Professional Preparation course which will give the students a career-focused view on employment expectations. The highly-competitive field requires testing and certifications prior to entering the workforce. This course helps students in writing aptitude tests and preparing the application and interview process. In addition, the program includes practical experience in the final semester, providing basic firefighting skills in a simulated environment, including live fire. Will and physical strength will be tested as students enter various, possible scenarios in firefighting. Before entering this final phase of the Firefighter Pre-Graduate Experience course, students must obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Training, pass a police and background check, and pass the medical requirements.

The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program graduates from Centennial College can enjoy a successful career in firefighting. They are eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial testing which will lead to their candidacy as firefighters. Upon employment by a fire service in Ontario, they are eligible for the Ontario Fire College “Firefighter Certificate of Achievement.” Firefighter titles can include industrial firefighter, airport firefighter, and fire captain. OntarioColleges.ca stated that graduates can earn starting salaries between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. According to the Centennial’s Graduate Employment Report, the graduating class of 2012 had a 91% employment rate with a maximum salary of $96,000.

Firefighter Program Offers Solid Base

Centennial College’s firefighter courses within its Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training are a great way to ensure that you have the knowledge and requirements to confidently apply for a position with your local fire department. That’s because this type of undertaking is increasingly becoming minimum criterion for fire service hiring. The best part is that the firefighter program takes just three semesters to complete and results in an Ontario College Certificate.

Applicants to the firefighter program are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are compulsory English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent; math Grade 11 or 12, C or U, or equivalent; and one Science Grade 11 or 12  (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Exercise Science) C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required). Additionally, there is a host of non-academic requirements, among which are: filling out a self-identifying questionnaire, demonstrating the ability to wear a breathing apparatus, producing a medical certificate indicating the ability to perform the duties of a firefighter. Lastly, in order to obtain a career as a firefighter, many municipal fire services may also require further qualifications, including: 20/30 vision in each eye without corrective lenses, satisfactory completion of a colour vision assessment, normal and unaided hearing, no conviction for a criminal offense for which a pardon has not been granted, and possession of a Class DZ driver license.

Once accepted, students attend firefighter courses that are in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of the Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM). Among these courses are: Introduction to Fire Service, Fire Ground Operations, Emergency Patient Care, Fire Equipment, Fire Suppression, Fitness and more. Through the firefighter courses, students also benefit from simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors, while enjoying ample time in smaller group-teaching scenarios. To round out training, firefighter program students attend a Firefighter Pre-Graduate experience that provides them with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills learned in the previous two semesters and to apply them during intensive practice of basic fire fighting skills in a simulated environment, including live fire. Students also gain better insight into the role of the fire fighter, the operations of the fire service and other related emergency services.

Upon completion of the firefighter program, students have the know-how to take the Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial Testing.  As such, they are able to: demonstrate the culminating role performance in fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, environmental protection and special rescue operations; meet the ethical, legal and safety requirements of professionals in the fire service industry; use safe practices and techniques with fire department apparatus, tools and equipment; communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written or electronic methods including recognized and appropriate fire service terminology; work effectively with other members of the fire service team, pre-hospital emergency care providers and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations; and more.