- Dates: March 8-27, 2021 (with a short introductory session for registrants on Thursday, March 4 from 2-3 pm via Zoom)
- Time: 8 am-5 pm (most days)
- Location: Selkirk College, Castlegar Campus, Classroom U-6
This three-week program includes the following training:
S100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety & S185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance
Participants learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems. Participants also learn the fundamentals of fire entrapment avoidance safe work procedures. All forest workers whose duties may include firefighting are required by WCB OHSRs to have this training. Certificate course.
ATV Training & Resource Road Light Truck Driving
Learn WorkSafeBC OH&S regulations pertaining to ATV operation. Learn how to safely operate ATVs under varied conditions encountered in silviculture operations. Also, learn the safe operation of light trucks on resource roads in British Columbia.
Tree Identification & Invasive Species
Students will learn that there are over 100 different species of trees that succesfully grow in our area, and how to identify most of these trees. Students will visit forest canopy sites that have a diverse array of species of trees standing. Students will also learn about invasive species that are not native to a particular ecosystem and have the potential to damage habitats.
Occupational First Aid Level 1 & Transportation Endorsement
Occupational First Aid Level 1 (OFA 1) includes CPR and helps you deal with major emergencies until medical aid arrives. Transportation Endorsement provides OFA 1 attendances with the skills and knowledge needed to move injured/ill workers to medical aid. Three-year Worksafe certificates will be issued upon successful completion.
Introduction To GPS & Google Earth
Provides a solid foundation of learning for individuals seeking work in the resource industry and could benefit from learning data collection with GPS equipment and basic mapping skills using Google Earth.
Bear Awareness & Wilderness Safety Training
Bear safety training is a WorkSafeBC requirement. Learners develop a better understanding of bear behaviour, which can help prevent bear encounters and reduce their risk if they do encounter a bear.
CACG Chainsaw Handling & Safety
This course covers personal protective equipment, choosing the right saw for the job, maintenance, troubleshooting, and filing. Participants learn how to handle a saw safely for bucking, falling, and spacing. CACG (formerly Enform) Certificate will be issued upon succesful completion.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
As an employee, you have a right to know what hazardous products you are dealing with, what the hazards are, how to read labels, how to make in-house labels and where to find information on treatment if an accident were to occur. Certificate course.
ROC-A Radio Operator
An ROC-A is required by operators of radiotelephone equipment on board aircraft and at aeronautical land (fixed and mobile) radio stations using aeronautical mobile frequencies. As per government regulations, candidates must attest that they do not have a disability that would impair their ability to operate a radio station safely. Certificate awarded upon succesful completion of exam.
Find a complete Program Schedule here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY -
Am I suitable for this program?
Please keep in mind that this training is designed for people who are interested in working as wildfire fighters. This means that these individuals must have the physical capacity and endurance to do this type of physically taxing work. At times, the training may involve strenuous activity so on the first day of class we ask students to sign a waiver acknowledging that the training they are pursuing can be physically demanding at times.
What do I need to participate in this program?
You will need all of the following:
- A valid driver's licence
- CSA approved workboots (please note that Selkirk College will provide up to a $100 rebate for CSA approved boots with the provision of an itemized receipt from the participant. This can take up to 30 days to process once receipts have been submitted to program coordinator).
- Work gloves and all-weather clothing suitable for safety training outdoors.
- Reliable transportation to the campus and to off-campus field sites (eg. the field location for the chainsaw course will be in the South Slocan Valley and not on campus)
- A pen and notebook.
- A great attitude!
Can I take only part of the training?
No. This program is designed for those who are interested in and physically capable of working as wildfire fighters. It is offered as a complete package.
What is the maximum number of students who will be taking this program?
We will take a maximum of 12 students.
I am concerned about COVID 19. How will I stay safe?
Selkirk College adheres to provincial government mandates and COVID protocols designed for post-secondary institutions. This includes a mandatory face mask policy for all college staff and students. This means that students must wear masks when they enter the class or when they are in common areas or shared spaced with other students and staff. However, once in class, the students will be assigned a "station" that is physically distanced a minimum of 2 meters away from their fellow classmates; when they are at their station they are not expected to wear a mask. Hand sanitizer will be readily available in the classroom. Each day, students will be asked to arrive to class 15-minutes early so that they can be screened for COVID symptoms. For detailed information on Selkirk College's COVID policies and protocols, please go to:
https://selkirk.ca/news/selkirk-college-response-covid-19
How do I register?
In order to register for this program, you will first need to submit a short statement ( ie. no more than a single page) outlining the following:
- Your work experience and/or personal suitability for this program
- Please put "Statement of Suitability, plus your name" in the subject line of an email and email your statement to Cara-Lee Malange (cmalange@selkirk.ca).
- Please confirm whether or not you have a valid driver's licence in your statement.
- Statements must also include a telephone number where you can be reached.
Statements will be reviewed in the order they are received. Once the statement is received, you will receive a reply within 2 business days (please note that Cara-Lee does not work on Fridays). Upon approval, you will be invited to register for the program. Registration is only complete once payment has been received.
I still have questions?
If you still have questions, please email Cara-Lee Malange, Community Education and Workplace Tranining Coordinator, Castlegar Campus at cmalange@selkirk.ca.
For more information, contact:
Cara-lee Malange, MA
Coordinator; Community, Corporate and Workplace Training
Phone: 1.888.953.1133 ext. 21261
Contact Cara-Lee by email