Youth Academy

Content

The Youth Academy is meant to be fun but is also a learning experience that will be challenging both mentally and physically. If you have any questions, please contact either your career counsellor at school or the Fire & Life Safety Educator at the Fire Department.

School District No 42 is working in partnership with the Maple Ridge Fire Department to provide a unique opportunity for secondary school students to fulfill their work experience requirements. This program is designed for students aged 16 to 18 years, who are interested in firefighting as a possible future career.

This program places students in a Fire Academy situation. Once selected, a student will experience everything a firefighter would experience but in capsulated form. Students will receive instruction on personal protective equipment, basic firefighting skills, maintenance and upkeep of the fire hall, equipment, and firefighting apparatus along with CPR, first aid, fire prevention, and public education.

Students will also be expected to make a presentation to their peers, do various written reports, and partake in all planned activities, working with other students as a team. There is significant homework.

Minimum Qualifications

Students who meet the following basic criteria will be considered:

• Reside in Maple Ridge 
• Current Grade 11 or 12 student
• 16 to 18 years of age at the time of application
• Good standing in all classes - minimum C+ average
• Has a good attendance record
• Has a genuine interest in firefighting
• Displays a willingness to work
• Reference from a teacher
• Be physically and medically fit - doctor's certificate may be required
• Clean driver's record
• No criminal record
• Application fully completed
• Application information is available from your school's career counsellor. Due dates are mid to late September each year.