New diversity training program reduces barriers for aspiring firefighters

On September 29, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service celebrated the graduation of the first-ever Diversity and Equity Fire Training program class.
On September 29, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service celebrated the graduation of the first-ever Diversity and Equity Fire Training program class.

Two years ago, if you would have asked Ava Glesby what she would be doing now, she would not have said graduating from a firefighting training program.

At the end of September, Glesby and fifteen other students became the first-ever graduating class of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS)’s Diversity and Equity Fire Training (DEFT) program at a ceremony at the Winnipeg Firefighters Museum. Glesby applied to the program last year.

“I had just finished my Kinesiology degree, and I was looking for the next step in my career when my mom sent me the program posting for DEFT,” said Glesby.

The WFPS launched DEFT in 2021 to reduce barriers facing prospective firefighters. Anyone who wants to become a firefighter in Winnipeg needs Firefighter I and II certification to apply. 

The closest place to complete this training is at Brandon’s Manitoba Emergency Service College (MESC). It takes nine months, is full-time and in person, and costs about $30,000 for tuition and room and board. 

“Firefighter training is intensive, and that’s important for the health and safety of our members and the residents we serve,” said Christian Schmidt, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief. “But some people may never have the chance to try because of systemic barriers like cost, scheduling, and family obligations.” 

With the launch of this new program, Schmidt hopes to reduce systemic barriers for prospective firefighters and see more diverse candidates apply for firefighting jobs.

DEFT is open to applicants in equity groups including women, Indigenous (Metis, Inuit, and First Nations) people, newcomers, racialized people, people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+, and people with a disability.

“Winnipeg is a diverse city,” said Schmidt.

Students accepted into the program receive the same training as students at MESC but DEFT students train at the WFPS training academy in Winnipeg on evenings and weekends. Using WFPS training tools and spaces when they're not being used to train frontline staff means tuition costs less.

Holding the classes on evenings and weekends allows students to train while working or caring for family, both of which can be barriers for potential firefighters. However, training after regular working hours is not easy.

Josee Pelletier (left) and Ava Glesby (right) graduated from the DEFT program on September 29, 2022
Josee Pelletier (left) and Ava Glesby (right) graduated from the DEFT program on September 29, 2022

“The program seems intense, but in a good way,” said Josee Pelletier, another DEFT graduate. “We learned so much in eleven months and we had to navigate COVID-19, winter weather, and our day jobs, but we all got along so well. It was easy to come to class. It was a lot, but in a good way."

Despite the challenges, Glesby said the class' spirit was her motivation. 

“Even through all the ups and downs - the sweatiest nights and the hard nights - we always came together to laugh and support each other,” she said.

For Glesby, believing in herself was her biggest hurdle. Her message to anyone considering applying for the program is simple.

Pelletier had a similar experience.

“I honestly thought I might not be physically capable of doing the program, but I talked to my family and thought, ‘why can’t I do it?’” she said.

The next step for DEFT graduates will be to apply for a position with WFPS through the recruitment process.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.