If you are an individual who is passionate about helping people, work well in a team or individual environment while meeting the challenging needs of fire service, and are physically fit, training to become a firefighter may be the perfect career for you. Contact us for more details on training for this exceptionally rewarding career opportunity.
Next program intake: September 7, 2021 to February 25, 2022
Applications are accepted beginning November 1, 2020
Fire Training Certification Program Overview
Our 23-week full-time Fire Training certificate program is very hands-on and provides instruction on the skills, knowledge and certificates you require to be a strong candidate for entry-level positions in fire fighting, industrial safety, medical first response, and more. Along with fire and rescue services, employment opportunities exist in oil and gas, forestry and mining industries.
Delivered in partnership with the City of Kimberley Fire Department, the program is delivered primarily on-site at the City of Kimberley Fire Hall and live-fire training facilities, providing a unique and authentic training environment. Your instructors have extensive experience and training as firefighters or emergency services personnel. Upon successful completion of the program you will receive the a College of the Rockies Fire Training certificate along with a host of individual certificates including NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2, NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and many more.
Program components provide students with the opportunity to earn recognition for a number of essential fire services certifications. Courses which adhere to the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are accredited by the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (the Pro Board).
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a College of the Rockies Fire Training Certificate, as well as Pro Board certification for all applicable NFPA-based courses. Industry certifications are provided for other related courses.
Note: Courses subject to change based on Industry requirements.
Course Descriptions
This course complies with the standards set by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1072 (Awareness) and prepares people who may, in the course of their duties, encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Students learn to recognize the presence of hazardous materials, protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the area. The goal of this course is to enable those on the scene of a hazardous materials or WMD incident to apply essential knowledge in a safe and effective manner.
This course meets and exceeds the 2017 Edition NFPA 1072 at the Core Operations (Chapter 5 ) and Mission Specific (Chapter 6.2 and 6.6) ) Standard of Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel & Professional Qualification.
At this (Responder) level, students learn the skills and additional knowledge necessary to respond to hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents and protect nearby persons, the environment, and property from the effects of the release.
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1006 (Ropes Level 1) and covers the fundamentals of rope rescue techniques, along with the skills required to participate in a rope rescue operation. Students learn to identify hazards, use equipment, and apply limited techniques to perform technical rescue operations. Students also learn about relevant safety standards which apply to rope rescues. This course emphasizes the inherently dangerous aspects of technical rescue and the rigorous activities which must be performed in adverse conditions.
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1006 (Vehicles Level 1). The curriculum addresses the rescue skills appropriate to vehicle or machinery events involving common passenger vehicles, simple small machinery, and non-high risk environments. Students learn how to establish scene safety zones, stabilize vehicles and machinery, isolate potentially harmful energy sources, and help to remove and transport a victim to a safe area. This course emphasizes the inherently dangerous aspects of technical rescue and the rigorous activities which must be performed in adverse conditions.
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1081 (Industrial Fire Brigade Member - Incipient), and covers the general knowledge necessary to understand basic fire behaviour and the skills necessary to function as a member of an Industrial Fire Brigade. Students learn how to operate within an incident management system and emergency response operations plan for a site. Topics include the standard operating and safety procedures for a site, including site-specific hazards. Learning activities include initiating communications, using facility communications equipment to effectively relay oral or written information, responding to alarms, returning equipment to service, and completing incident reports.
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1001 and provides a foundation of theory and practical skill development for students pursuing a career in the fire services. Topics include the organization of the fire department, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations, safety initiatives, personal protective equipment, tools and equipment, ropes and knots, the chain of command and incident management, fire department communications, and teamwork. The course prepares students for entry-level positions as structural Firefighters. Wildland Fire Suppression Workers and Industrial Safety Officers/Firefighters. The course includes both theory and hands-on activities related to fire safety and emergency response-related skills. Note: before being certified at the Firefighter I level, candidates must have already passed HazMat (NFPA 472) at the Awareness and Hazmat Operations – Core level. Before being certified at the Firefighter II level, candidates must be certified as Firefighter I and have already passed HazMat (NFPA 472) at the Operational level. This course includes both theory and hands-on activities related to fire safety and emergency response-related skills.
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1006 (Confined Space Level1). Students learn to recognize and monitor the hazards of a confined space and identify which hazards can be managed. Basic skills are developed so that students can safely and effectively manage the hazard. Students learn how to properly enter a confined space, clear others from the confined space, and prepare a victim for removal. This course emphasizes the inherently dangerous aspects of technical rescue and the rigorous activities which must be performed in adverse conditions.
This course prepares students to participate as a member of a rapid intervention crew (RIC), with the goal of recruiting fire fighters who become lost, injured, trapped, incapacitated, or disoriented in the course of an emergency scene or training operation. Course curriculum is based on the objectives as set by NFPA 1407 (Standard for Training Fire Service Rapid Intervention Crews): topics include appropriate search techniques, rescue access; air supply and air management; use of ropes, slings and harnesses for rescue operations; methods to protect and move endangered firefighters; and self-rescue techniques.
This course is designed for emergency service workers who are required to direct traffic at unplanned emergency events, such as crashes, spills, police events or natural disasters that occur on or adjacent to roads. Students learn to assess traffic control needs, plan the traffic control zone, and use equipment appropriate to the situation. Successful completion of this course earns a certificate from the BC Municipal Safety Association.
This course develops driver skills through knowledge of both physical and vehicle dynamics in relation to vehicle operations. Through a progressive series of driving exercises, students experience conditions often experienced while driving at higher speeds and under emergency conditions. They also learn to respond safely and efficiently to a variety of driving conditions. Both mental and physical driving skills are emphasized. Successful completion of this course earns a certificate from the International Academy of Professional drivers (IAPD).
This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. Students learn about the history, features, principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System.
Incident Command Systems (ICS) 200 builds on the knowledge acquired in ICS 100 (College of the Rockies FIRE 113), and defines the unique qualities of ICS as an event or incident management system. This course provides an introduction to leadership and management, delegation of authority and management by objectives, functional areas and positions, briefings, organizational flexibility, and transfer of command within an ICS. The focus is on the management of single resources, and the training needs of personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS.
This course develops pre-hospital care and CPR skills for professional first responders or those wanting to become first responders. Course teaches techniques for sustaining life, preventing further injuries, and caring for illnesses and injuries until the next level of medical personnel arrives. Includes CPR level HCP and AED. Successful completion of this course earns a Canadian Red Cross, 3-year certification in First Responder, CPR HCP, and AED.
Landing a first job in the Emergency Services sector requires specialized skills and knowledge. This course helps Fire Services students understand the job application process, write a convincing cover letter and resume, present him/herself favorably during the interview process, and approach aptitude testing with confidence. Students review job ads, identify desirable traits for this vocation, participate in mock interviews, and discuss typical aptitude test questions.
This comprehensive first aid course is recognized in both Alberta and BC. OFA-3 prepares students to take on the responsibilities of the first aid attendant providing emergency care and covers a variety of emergency medical techniques. Participants must be 16 years of age to take the course. A certificate, granted for successful completion, is valid for 3 years.
The course is completed over 10 training days plus one day for exam.
The Emergency Medical Responder course is for BC Occupational First Aid Level 3 attendants who wish to upgrade their skills to become an EMR attendant for the ambulance service and prepares the candidate for the provincial examination. This course meets the NOCP guidelines as set out by the Paramedics Association of Canada. Note that most employers in the North are asking for minimum of EMR. Candidates must be 19 years of age, hold a valid Level 3 OFA certificate or equivalent, preferably issued within the previous 6 months.
The course is completed over 6 training days plus one day for exam.
WHMIS training is required to meet the Federal Hazardous Products Act requirements for handling hazardous materials in the workplace. This is a half-day course.
TDG certification is required by Transport Canada for anybody transporting dangerous goods. The course helps students understand shipping documentation, labels and packaging; complete driver documentation and information regarding an accident or emergency. This is a half-day course.
This course is a comprehensive study of commercial vehicle air brake systems and a presentation of pre-trip inspection and brake adjustment to prepare for the Motor Vehicle Branch Air Endorsement exam.
This 20 hour course requires a valid BC Drivers’ License. (Can be taken with a learner’s license).
This course develops sound wildland firefighting observations, suppression techniques, and avoidance of fire entrapment. It is designed for firefighters with structural firefighting experience to apply their learning to the special circumstances of wildland firefighting. The SPP-WFF 1 curriculum is designed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner as part of the Structure Protection Program, and replaces F1-110
(Wildland Fire Observation & Origin Science Protection) and S-215 (Fire Operations in the Wildland
Urban Interface). SPP-WFF 1 is a required component in British Columbia intended for Structure Firefighters only, as per the Fire Fighter Playbook. It does NOT replace S-100 for those intending to qualify for employment with Wildland Fire Fighting agencies.
This course, designed for entry-level chainsaw operators, focusses on proper saw maintenance and safe use of chainsaws. The course begins with approximately 4 hours of instructor-led presentation, discussion with group and individual assignments, review of relevant OH&S regulations, hands-on work assignments including essential saw maintenance and correct chain filing, proper use of PPE gear, and procedures and techniques for safe chainsaw operation. Following the classroom session, students spend approximately 4 hours in the field reviewing and implementing procedures learned in the classroom. Fieldwork includes recognition of bucking hazards, discussions of saw binds, and practice using proper bucking techniques. Student learning is assessed by a field examination of each student for basic chainsaw operating competency.
This course, offered by the British Columbia Forest Service, provides participants with a basic knowledge of the wildland fire suppression organizational structure, the wildland fire environment, suppression and safety procedures and equipment used in British Columbia to effectively and safely respond as a basic wildland firefighter. The two-day training session includes one day of classroom work and one day of field work. Basic Fire Suppression & Safety is the minimum training standard required for any person to participate as a wildland fire fighter in the province of British Columbia.
Fire Entrapment Avoidance &Safety, offered by the British Columbia Forest Service, provides participants with a basic knowledge of fire entrapment avoidance and fire entrapment survival techniques. This 2-3 hour classroom training session is recognized by the BC Ministry of Forests as required training for any person to participate as a wildland firefighter in the province of BC.
Admission Requirements
Up to seven events, approximately 45 minutes per person (four timed events plus three agility events)
After the application deadline, qualified applicants with complete packages submitted, may be eligible to move on to the testing phase held in Spring/Summer in Kimberley, BC. After the testing phase, applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified within approximately two weeks of the testing date and are required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment fee which will go towards the tuition balance.
Testing consists of a written aptitude test, physical fitness test and an interview.
Your Costs
Tuition: | $14292.3 |
Application Fee: | $30.0 |
Student Association Fee: | $52.9 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $229.5 |
Total | $ |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional costs listed below are approximate and are subject to change. Living and transportation costs are additional. Reliable transportation is required. A laptop computer is strongly recommended.
This program includes a number of off-site training activities in a variety of locations (e.g. live fire training grounds, EVO driving practice, ropes training. Students are required to supply their own transportation for such trips. Students are expected to follow all college policies and procedures when participating in off-campus activities.
Fees paid to College of the Rockies up front | Amount |
---|---|
Uniform Fee | $ 350.00 |
Personal supplies required up front - purchased on your own | Amount |
---|---|
Uniform accessories (Belt, socks, station shoes) | Various amounts |
Basic school supplies (paper, pens, backpack, etc.) | Various amounts |
Other supplies/gear as needed | Various amounts |
Fees paid to College of the Rockies during the program | Amount |
---|---|
Amount Class 3 optional training if offered (tentative) | $1,000.00 - $1,500.00 (approximately) |
First Aid Remedial Testing (if needed) | $100.00 (approximately) |
Fees paid to other agencies during the program | Amount |
---|---|
Driver's License Fees (i.e. Air Brakes, Class 3) | Various amounts - Insurance Corporation of BC |
First Aid - EMR Licensing | $ 450.00 (approximately) - EMA Licensing Branch of BC |
Delivery Method:?
Temporarily Blended
Credential:
Certificate
Categories: Industry & Trades Training
Interests: Work With My Hands, Care for Others, Not Have a Desk Job, Get in, Get out, Get a Job
1850 Warren Avenue
Kimberley, BC, V1A 1S1
Phone: 250-427-7116 x3752
Email: kimberley@cotr.bc.ca