Published on Feb 22, 2018

Students can graduate ready to work on BC wildfire crews in just 13 days, thanks to training at NIC鈥檚 Campbell River campus.

Prepare to start working as a wildfire firefighter in BC with NIC鈥檚 BC wildfire crew member training program.

The 13-day program starts March 12 at NIC鈥檚 Campbell River campus.

鈥淭his is one of the easiest ways to get industry certifications and qualifications you need to start working this summer,鈥 said 糖心vlog传媒wildfire instructor Henry Grierson.

鈥淔rom important safety training to the technical aspects of how fires are suppressed, we cover how to use hand tools and power pumps, along with information about air support from helicopters and air tankers.鈥

 Certifications from the course include radio training, occupational first aid, transportation endorsement and hazardous materials.

Teamwork will also be a major focus, said Grierson.

鈥淥ne of the most important aspects to wildfire fighting is being able to work as a team and take direction,鈥 he said. 鈥淲ildfire fighting is very goal oriented 鈥 you鈥檙e all working to get the fire out. You need to be comfortable working as a part of a team, and also with taking orders.鈥

Grierson noted the wildfire situation in BC last summer 鈥 the worst wildfire season on record 鈥 demonstrates how important it is to have people with this kind of training who can be called upon if needed.

鈥淭he BC Wildfire Service has a set number of crews and firefighters every season,鈥 said Grierson. 鈥淚f we have a very active fire season those crews are tapped out quickly. That鈥檚 when additional qualified crew are needed.鈥

The work is hard, but rewarding, said Grierson.

鈥淚t鈥檚 physically-demanding work in terms of endurance rather than strength,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou need to be able to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, for 10-12 hours straight and be engaged for that entire time. It鈥檚 a good job for people who enjoy the adrenaline rush, for those who like to travel and be part of a team. It鈥檚 the kind of work that if you like it, you鈥檒l love it 鈥 it gets into your blood.鈥

糖心vlog传媒is currently offering the same training in Port Alberni, which is already underway and set to wrap up on March 1.

Those interested in the training can find more information by contacting Sandy Rose at 250-923-9728 or email sandra.rose@nic.bc.ca.

Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca