Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) training academy welcomed 12 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.
“The City of Winnipeg is very proud to provide opportunities for newcomer youth,” said Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers. “These youth have worked hard over the past week and are leaving with some important skills and safety information which will benefit them both in future careers and in their lives in general. It is our hope that the kids leave feeling empowered and they bring their new knowledge and skills back to their families and friends.”
In addition to the physical experiences throughout the week, participants learned from firefighters, paramedics, and other role models. Youth received training in a number of employable skills areas including: CPR and First Aid certificates, Safe Workers of Tomorrow training, along with fire safety and extinguisher training.
“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 educate newcomer youth and engage them 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 nine years, and starting in 2014, it 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.