Firefighter Work Experience Program (WEP)

Being a WEP firefighter provides knowledge and experience that fire departments look for in new recruits. This challenging and rewarding opportunity offers you the ability to maintain and enhance your previously acquired skills while responding to emergencies or performing required station duties.

Applications for the 2023-2024 Program are currently open - Closing date May 5, 2023.

Application

Please ensure the following is attached to the application (PDF):

• Consent for Criminal Record Check has been detached and submitted to your local RCMP.
• Copies of all course Certificates referred to in your application.
• Copies of Transcripts referred to in your application.
• Copy of your driver’s license; both sides.
• Current within 10 days, Driver Abstract Attached.
• Ensure all of the application is complete.
• Photocopy of your driver’s license; both sides.

Program Structure

A 12 month commitment to the work experience program is required, with the exception of those hired to a career fire department during their program. Daily duties of the WEP firefighter is balanced between, but not limited to; fire suppression, technical rescue, medical response, fire prevention, public education, company fire inspections, preplanning, maintenance duties of equipment and fire station, as well as community events. WEP firefighters work a standard daytime shift routine Monday to Friday and are scheduled for duty coverage on weekends on a rotational basis.

Accommodations

WEP firefighters live at the station. Sleeping quarters are single room dorms. Common areas include full laundry, cooking, washrooms, showers, and lounge facilities. Other amenities include wireless internet and television.

Opportunity & Rewards

WEP firefighters will be remunerated for response to emergencies, attendance to regularly scheduled training, and standby duties.

In addition WEP firefighters receive $2,400 which can be taken in the form of education allowance or stipend to assist with living expenses. A complimentary pass to the Creston and District Community Centre for swimming and gym is provided to WEP firefighters to help maintain physical fitness and offer a form of recreation.

Training Program

Enhancing your skills to assist you in your career search is our priority. WEP firefighters are mentored by experienced training and fire officers. You will participate in specialized WEP training evolutions, regular training sessions with department, assist in training paid-on-call firefighters and personal development education.

You will also have self-directed training opportunities from the department and through your training allowance through the College of the Rockies, Justice Institute of British Columbia and others hosted by Creston Fire Rescue. Certificate courses may include:

• Emergency Scene Traffic Control
• Emergency Vehicle Operator
• Fire Officer 1
• Fire Service Instructor
• Incident Command System 100 – 300
• Pumps and Pumping
• Rapid Intervention Team
• Strategy and Tactics and many more

Within the program WEP firefighters certify to Emergency Medical Assistant First Responder Level 3 with spinal and AED endorsements. WEP firefighters have the opportunity to share their previous acquired skills through development of lesson plans and drills to challenge the paid on-call fighters. Specific to WEP firefighters, instruction in resume writing and interview skills will be provided to set you a part.

Work Experience Program Entrance Requirements

• 19 years of age or older
• Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
• Commitment to a 12 month work experience program
• Consent to criminal record check
• Doctor's Medical Clearance or Certificate of Fitness; Fit Tech, CPAT or York
• Driver’s license with Air Brake Endorsement, favorable driver's abstract with no more than 3 points
• High School Graduate
• In-depth personal record check
• NFPA 1001 - Firefighter 1 and 2 or equivalent certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced level of First Aid Training
• Emergency Medical Responder
• First Responder Level 3
• Occupational First Aid Level 3
• Post Secondary Academic Diploma
• Previous firefighting or other related work
• Primary Care Paramedic or equivalent
• Technical, Trades or equivalent level