Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) hosted 36 youth aged 14-16 from newcomer backgrounds at the WFPS Training Academy for the first of two days of emergency service training and fun.
By the end of the camp, participants will have the chance to try firefighting skills, paramedicine skills, and the skills required to be a 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicator.
“Emergency services is a fulfilling career,” said Christian Schmidt, Fire & Paramedic Chief. “As we continue to support a workplace that is more reflective of the diverse community we serve, we want to ensure young people from different backgrounds have a chance to meet current WFPS members and learn some new skills.”
We partnered with four community organizations to offer this program – Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), Newcomer Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS Inc.), and the Aurora Family Therapy Centre.
“IRCOM is pleased and excited to send a group of youth to this innovative event,” said Shereen Denetto, Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM). “This is a unique opportunity for newcomer youth to learn about the working world and interesting careers and we are sure many will be inspired in setting their future goals!”
This initiative is connected to the City’s Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Policy, which aims to create an inclusive and equitable city where all residents feel welcome and can thrive. As part of the goals of the policy, we are working to create a city without racism and a representative workforce. Career exploration camps are one valuable tool to introduce youth from diverse backgrounds to career pathways at the City of Winnipeg.
For more information, see: winnipeg.ca/newcomers.