Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) training academy welcomed 11 newcomer youth this week as part of their Equity and Diversity Camp. The week-long camp is designed to provide newcomer youth with exposure to a variety of scenarios that firefighters, paramedics, and WFPS 911 communication operators encounter on a daily basis. Youth also participate in career training workshops such as interview preparation.
“Winnipeg’s a growing city and it’s great to provide these learning opportunities for some of our newest residents,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “These youth have worked hard over the past week, and are leaving with some important life skills which will also benefit them in future careers.”
In addition to the physical experiences throughout the week, participants learned from firefighters, paramedics, and other role models. Youth received employable skills including: CPR and First Aid certificates, Safe Workers of Tomorrow training, along with fire safety and extinguisher training.
“This camp really provides the City of Winnipeg and the WFPS with the opportunity to educate newcomer youth on fire and injury prevention,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “It is our hope that the kids leave feeling empowered and they bring their new knowledge and skills back to their families and friends.”
“Increasing diversity within the WFPS is an important goal for us and the annual Equity and Diversity Camp is a wonderful way for us to engage with newcomer youth about the benefits of a career in firefighting, paramedicine or emergency telecommunications,” said Chief John Lane, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. “It is our hope that some of the participants this week may consider a career with the WFPS in the future.”
The Camp has been running for eight years and starting in 2014, has been organized in partnership with Newcomer Employment and Education Development Services (N.E.E.D.S.) Inc.
For more information on the City’s commitment to equity and diversity, please visit City of Winnipeg – Equity and Diversity.