2024 Youth Firefighter Academy Signup
School District 46, BC Wildfire Service, and Local Fire Departments once again Collaborate to offer students a one-of-a-kind work experience program.
The Sechelt Fire Department is proud to once again host the SD46 Youth Firefighter Academy for 2024! The Academy is a collaboration of efforts from School District #46’s District Career Coordinator Cathy Gordon, BC Wildfire Service, and Coastal fire departments to allow twelve local students in good academic standing to participate in an interactive and exciting firefighting environment in which to complete their career preparation requirements for graduation.
During the structural firefighting component (first five days of spring break) “Cadets” will learn about the fire service, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, fire science, ladders, searching, fire suppression, car fires, dumpster fires, and auto-extrication taught by instructors from all Coastal departments. “I’m really excited for these Cadets” says Sechelt Captain Steven Achterberg, “they are going to have the adventure of a lifetime!”. The next component will see the Cadets receive training at the Sechelt Fire Base for an additional 3-6 days, where they will gain essential skills, knowledge, and certifications that will be an asset to anyone pursuing a career in wildfire suppression, or the forest sector in general. “I am always excited to introduce firefighting to the newest generation of caring public and help them grow and develop until they eventually surpass the threshold that we currently see as the industry’s highest standard”, Stephen Gemmell, Wildfire Technician. Five students from the previous 2 academy classes have received summer jobs with the BCWS and some continue to be employed on a regular basis.
Generous donations and local partnerships from Wholesale Fire & Rescue Ltd., Unifor 1119, Elite Fire Protection, Coast Builder’s RONA, and Sunshine Coast GM have ensured that these students will have an unforgettable experience. “We’re happy to support the training of the next generation of front line workers in our community” – Derek Thebault, Sunshine Coast GM.
Without these valuable partnerships, this program simply does not exist and we offer our sincere gratitude for your continued support.
If this sounds like an exciting opportunity, click here to sign up.
Application deadline is NOVEMBER 3, 2024
Good Luck to the Class of 2024!
