Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

Program Highlights

Created and taught in partnership with the Peterborough Fire Department, the Pre-Service Firefighter program offers you the best of theory and practical experience. There's nothing better than learning from the men and women who are actually working as firefighters.

The office of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) have indicated they want municipal fire services (like Peterborough's) to work in partnership with community colleges to provide well-rounded training for firefighters. As a result, Fleming's innovative firefighter program combines practical training integrated with theory at a fully equipped training centre.

Successful completion of this program will prepare you to write the OFM Provincial Test leading to your Ontario Fire College (OFC) Certificate of Achievement. The curriculum is based on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and Ontario Fire Marshal pre-service firefighter curriculum. It is also expected that such studies will soon become mandatory for preferred candidates seeking a career in firefighting. A better education means you'll have more opportunity for a solid career in this exciting profession. Courses will cover such diverse areas as fire behaviour and extinguishment; emergency medical skills; hazardous materials; extrication; rescue techniques; communications; physical fitness; risk assessment; public education, and more.

"The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal through the Endorsement Review Board endorses the content of the program. The Board expressly does not endorse the delivery of the program, tools and/or equipment used in the delivery of the program."

Why Choose Fleming

This program is delivered in three consecutive semesters and therefore can be completed in twelve months. During the summer, for an additional cost, you will have the opportunity to qualify for a DZ license. Take advantage of our partnership with the seasoned professionals of the Peterborough Fire Department. In addition to classroom time, you'll have plenty of opportunity to work with and learn from firefighters working in this community, dealing with real-life situations. Upon successful completion of the OFM provincial exam, you will also receive NFPA 1001 Firefighter level 2 accreditation.

Work Experience

You'll have plenty of opportunity to learn from practical experience and the consolidated practicum that occurs at a variety of training locations at the end of semester three. In addition to the opportunity to work with North Kawartha Emergency Services (see above), the program is hoping to expand options for students to work as paid volunteers with other fire departments.

Is this You?

An interest in helping and protecting people and property from dangerous situations is key if you want to have job satisfaction. It would also help if you have the following skills and traits:

• maturity
• excellent interpersonal skills
• problem-solving ability
• good stress management skills
• crisis management ability
• a healthy dose of common sense
• physical health and fitness
• empathy, tact, cultural sensitivity.

Career Opportunities

Employment forecasts project a lot of retirements from fire departments in the near future -- and that means more demand than ever for qualified personnel, both male and female. Fire departments are already expanding and hiring more personnel, particularly in urban areas. Opportunities also exist within the fire department as Fire Prevention Officers, Training Officers and Communicators.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 1 Grade 11 College (C) Biology course
• 1 Grade 12 College (C) Chemistry or Physics course

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

All applicants will be required to achieve credit in all mandatory sciences through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

* Students attend classes through three successive semesters, finishing in one calendar year.

Additional Requirements

• Students must present a complete immunization record and valid first aid and CPR certificates (Level C) prior to the start of classes.
• Prior to entry to the second semester of the program, students are required to successfully complete a physical assessment test including a medical certificate verifying good physical health, the results of an eye examination verifying uncorrected vision of at least 20/30 and a hearing examination verifying a normal unaided hearing level.
• Students will also be required to provide a criminal record check and successfully complete all first semester courses.

Related Programs

Other programs at Fleming you may be interested in are Security and Risk Management, Fire Systems Engineering Technician, or  Police Foundations.

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. Please see the Immunization Information page for details.

Additional Costs

Plan on approximately $2000.00 for bunker gear, boots, helmet, other required equipment, books and additional courses.