PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This one-year program is an overview of the fundamentals in the firefighting profession. Students will learn firefighting tactics, search and rescue procedures, and perform simulated firefighting training exercises.

In addition, Dual enrollment is available for eligible high school students. They can earn college credit through the program and transfer these credits to a community college or university, towards a specific degree.

After completion, successful candidates will be prepared to seek one or more certifications like the Wildland Firefighter Certification and the Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Moreover, West-MEC offers most industry credential tests at no additional cost. Through the Fire Science training received in the program, students are provided a pathway to economic independence.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY (NTHS)
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The purpose of NTHS is to recognize, honor, and promote student achievement and leadership in Career and Technical Education. The pillars of NTHS are: trustworthiness, respect, fairness, caring, and citizenship. 

Students have the opportunity to participate in NTHS after meeting eligibility criteria such as: high GPA at high school and in their West-MEC CTE program; CTSO/Volunteerism/Leadership, and outstanding professional conduct. Students who are inducted into NTHS wear stoles at the West-MEC Recognition ceremony to signify outstanding accomplishments.

CAREER PATHWAYS
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Careers that a student could pursue after receiving their certification(s) are: Firefighter, wild-land firefighter, member industry fire brigade

This program is in partnership with GateWay Community College/Southwest Skill Center.