UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 by 11:59pm.
PROGRAM COST: Grants will cover the full cost of this training for 15 selected applicants. Typically, to earn these certifications, individuals must spend multiple weeks off-island full-time at a cost of approximately $15,000 (+ travel costs).
PROGRAM SCHEDULE & PACE
- This is an accelerated industry training program that will demand significant hours of studying, homework, and classroom participation to successfully complete all assignments and pass all of the required certification exams.
- All classes will take place during weekday evenings and multiple Saturdays through the program dates of January 2nd - May 31st.
- All recruits will be required to travel to Crowley, Texas for two weeks of boot camp-style training in May for full completion of the firefighter training program. Travel costs are included in the program and recruits will stay together overnight at the training center in dormitory-style accommodations.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ!
The requirements of being a firefighter/EMT demand physical fitness, mental preparedness, and emotional stability. The following qualities are recommended to ensure success in this training program:
1. Be Physically Fit
Being in peak physical condition is not only important as you enter the training academy, but also throughout your career.
Being physically prepared will allow you to focus on learning manipulative skills rather than also facing the challenges of not being physically prepared. If you are struggling with stamina and strength, you will not be able to learn as quickly as the other recruits. Physical fitness is one of the primary indicators of how successful a recruit will or will not be.
2. Be Mentally Prepared
The training program will be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Prepare your life, including significant others and family, to ensure the program can be your main priority so you have the greatest chance for success. Having support in place for you (and your family, if applicable) during this training program will be critical.
3. Bring the Right Attitude:
Strong Will and Accountability. You will need to exhibit “grit” and learn from your mistakes. Firefighting is a highly technical profession and requires the ability to work as a team in highly challenging environments.
Work Ethic. A strong work ethic is critical for success. Always be present with a desire to learn. It is easy to identify who is and who is not working hard.
Ability to Accept Feedback and Correct Your Course. Recruits will receive feedback and coaching during training as needed. You must be able to respectfully accept feedback and promptly apply it to your efforts.
FAQ's:
1. What characteristics make great recruit firefighters?:
- Have a great attitude and work ethic.
- Be coachable, accept and apply feedback without making excuses (or trying to explain actions)
- Have great attention to detail.
- Have great initiative. Be a self-starter.
- Understand the seriousness of the career you are seeking.
2. What are the things that create challenges for the recruits?
- Not being successful at everything above.
- Inability to take or apply the feedback to change performance or behavior.
- Lack of preparation skills.
- Lack of understanding of the fire service.
- The profession is not for everyone.
3. What can recruits do before being selected to help them be successful?
- Be as physically fit as possible.
- Learn as much as possible about the firefighting/EMS profession by reaching out to fire service personnel and doing online research.
- Make sure your personal life is in order and your family is prepared for the required commitment. Limit distractions as much as possible.
- Ask yourself where you are personally with the four pillars of the program: Attitude, Effort, Teamwork, and Performance. How have these qualities shown up in your previous jobs or in your life? The habits you have built up until now will also show up in the training program and your fire/EMS career.
Being a firefighter and emergency medic can be a very rewarding career with opportunities for advancement and pay increases. The more you bring to the service, the more you will get out of it for yourself and your family.