UTAH – High school students in Utah are getting a unique opportunity to train as future firefighters through a new program aimed at improving firefighter recruitment.
This initiative allows students to take classes as part of a career in technology program.
The program provides hands-on experience, teaching students how to manage fire lines, handle ladders and navigate confined spaces while wearing firefighting gear.
Many of the instructors are experienced firefighters who are eager to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
Participants in the program have shared their enthusiasm for the experience. “In this class, you know already that you want to do the path, the education, the team, mentorship, all of it,” one student said.
Even if students decide not to pursue firefighting as a career, they will retain valuable lessons from the program. Many students have already expressed a sense of belonging to a firefighting family through the classes.
In Washington, Spokane Valley Tech offers a similar fire science course that introduces students to firefighting and emergency medicine.
The classes, taught by the Spokane Valley Fire Department, provide both college and high school credits upon completion.