A free program will help ensure there's a well-trained workforce in the north.
First Aid Protection Services, part of the Workforce Training and Continuing Studies, will be taking place at Northwest Community College starting this month. The program will assist with those looking to get work as first aid attendants, security guards and industry firefighters.
The program was developed to meet the training needs of Northwest communities in B.C. to assist unemployed individuals get employment, and make sure there's a well-trained workforce in the region. Projects throughout the region require first responders to adhere to provincial safety regulations to keep work sites and remote camps secure, as well as providing fire prevention and suppression skills.
Three training courses will be included in the program, designed with practical and written tests to create job-ready graduates able to work as first aid attendants, security guards and industry firefighters.
The program includes two weeks of Occupational First Aid level 3, five days of Basic Security Training and two days of S-100 Fire Suppression, and will allow students to earn other popular safety certificates including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Transportation of Dangerous Goods and H2S Alive.
"This is the super hero program. You put out the fire, arrest the bad guy and save the life," said Char Toews, who helps recruit students and ensures they are eligible for the course.
"These are very valuable tickets for getting work."
The program is free to eligible participants, with funding being provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.
Students must be eligible for Employment Skills Access (ESA) funding, meaning they must not be working, not on EI and haven't been for at least three years.
First Aid Protection Services will be taking place in Prince Rupert from Nov. 15 to Dec. 17.
To apply or for more information call Toews at (250) 635-6511 extension 5357.
Toews said people who aren't eligible for ESA funding can contact Anne Rowse, who can help people find other funders 624-6054 ext. 5715.