Pre-Employment Training Academy




	Introduction The Pre-Employment Program is the flagship training program at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. The program is an intensive 22 weeks that results in I.F.S.A.C. (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) Level I and II Firefighter certification. The program is taught to the current N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Association) 1001 standard. In addition to Level I and II Firefighter, graduates leave with I.F.S.A.C. certification for Hazardous Materials Operations (as per NFPA 472) and Nova Scotia Medical First Responder training as per Emergency Health Services, Nova Scotia. The program is not for everyone. It is academically and physically very challenging. Physical Training (P.T.) begins at 08:00 sharp every morning. The P.T. program is designed to develop muscular strength, cardio vascular stamina, and flexibility. Recruits are expected to be able to perform critical job tasks such as rescuing a downed firefighter in full gear or ventilating a roof with an axe while wearing full protective ensemble including self contained breathing apparatus. In addition to the physical challenges there is a tremendous academic workload which should not be underestimated. Firefighting is becoming ever more complex, incorporating new technologies and practices. There are mandatory readings and homework every day during the 16 weeks of on-site training. The program has a stringent testing policy; those students unable to meet the testing standards of the program will be dismissed. All subjects are tested after completion and there is a comprehensive certification exam at the end of the 16 weeks of on-site training. Classroom lectures are complimented with practical fire-ground evolutions. The program is very hands on with students spending approximately half of their time practicing the skills that are taught.				Students are tested for phobias including acrophobia (fear of heights) and claustrophobia (fear of confinement in small spaces). The program requires that recruits be intellectually, physically, emotionally and psychologically up to the challenge. Students are tested for phobias including acrophobia (fear of heights) and claustrophobia (fear of confinement in small spaces). The program requires that recruits be intellectually, physically, emotionally and psychologically up to the challenge. Student Life Recruits must be able to function well as a member of a team. The school functions like a fire station with officers and recruits. There are duties assigned to each platoon including equipment checks and inventories as well as station duties (daily cleaning of the station). Recruits work closely together and the Instructors are accessible and work closely with the recruits. An almost family atmosphere often develops with lifelong contacts and friends being made. Many successful graduates drop in and assist with future programs. Many of the programs applicants have been referred by previous graduates who are now in the career fire service. Real Life Opportunities All of the programs Instructors are involved in either the career or volunteer fire service. Recruits benefit not only from the experience of the Instructional staff but also from their network within the fire service. Often various departments have volunteered the use of their facilities and equipment to the benefit of the program. On Job Training Recruits must satisfactorily complete 6 weeks of on the job training. The recruits are placed in career stations and work directly with the station crews performing the day to day duties. This is an opportunity for the recruits to learn from career firefighters and to perform emergency duties under the close supervision of experienced officers. Many recruits that have performed well during their on the job training have been offered references from company officers. The on the job training component compliments and builds on the theoretical and practical experience gained in the programs 16 weeks of on-site training. The Pre-Employment program provides proven, internationally recognized, top quality training for those with the desire and self-discipline to succeed.