Blaze Fire Academy to offer three immersive career info sessions in 2023

Registration now open for career change session

Blaze Fire Academy, a joint initiative of the fire departments in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills, is back with more career sessions to encourage adults and youth to join the fire service. These immersive sessions provide a comprehensive understanding of firefighting, fire prevention, public education, training, dispatch communications, and administration.

The first session is aimed at individuals aged 21 or older with a non-fire service background who are looking to switch careers. As the fire services offers a variety of roles beyond firefighting, diversity in skill sets is welcomed. The session consists of virtual training sessions on June 6 and 13, followed by  in-person training on June 17. The online application is open now for 24 spots and will be accepted until May 21. 

Following this, a training session for young women aged 15 to 18 will be held on August 9 and 10, offering 24 spots for immersive activities and an information session with post-secondary educational organizations that offer courses in fire services. The final session for this year, offering up to 24 spots, is open to ages 15 or older of all genders, with or without prior experience in fire services. Applications will open in October for the November session.

All in-person training will be conducted at the Oakville Training Campus for Emergency Excellence at 1144 South Service Road West, Oakville. Training topics include hazardous material response, search and rescue operations, auto extrication rescues, rope rescue, forcible entry procedures, water rescue and more. Strategic and tactical aspects of fire response support such as fire investigation, communications, public education, fire prevention are also included.

Quotes

"We are immensely proud of the dedicated and skilled members of Halton’s Fire and Emergency Services teams who work tirelessly to keep our community safe around the clock. This year, the expanded range of training programs encourages people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to experience this important career firsthand in an immersive training format.” 

- Mayor Rob Burton

“We believe in building inclusive and diverse teams that reflect our growing communities.  Together with our partners in Halton Region's fire departments, we welcome individuals from all walks of life to explore a meaningful and impactful career through Blaze Fire Academy. Whether you’re looking to kick-start a new career or seeking a fulfilling profession, Blaze Fire Academy offers opportunities that exemplify a vision of fire services for all.”  

- Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault