WEP 2012/13 applications are being accepted. Interested candidates may apply by sending your applicaton to:
Deputy Fire Chief
JAMIE SVENDSEN
PO BOX 45004
KELOWNA, BC V1P1P3
PHONE: 250-765-3090
FAX: 250-765-3051 Email
Testimonials
DENNIS EVA – WEP 3 Fire Fighter – Hired with Fredericton Fire Rescue Back to Testimonials
The Work Experience Program is one of the best steps I have, and could have taken toward accomplishing my goal of becoming a career firefighter. Taking my EMT, and 1001 was a start but coming from a city where there was no opportunity to volunteer and gain valuable firefighting experience, the knowledge and experience I gained from being a WEP member has proven valuable in accomplishing my goal.
I was unable to complete the 9-month Work Experience Program, because I was hired full time with The City of Yellowknife Fire Department. However I was given nothing but support from Fire Chief McCleary, Deputy Fire Chief Watkinson, and Captain Doherty and my fellow WEP members, both during the pursuit and after my pursuit of a fire services career had become successful.
During my 4 months in Big White I had the opportunity to participate in fire service courses both in house through the department and courses of my choice funded by the department, as well as weekend WEP training and Monday night fire practice.
As a WEP member I became a live-in paid on call member of the Big White Fire Department. I was placed on a platoon, which had responsibilities around the hall during our rotating duty shifts. Living at the hall and having duty shifts gave me a better idea of what it is like to be a career firefighter. As a WEP member I was taught more than just how to improve my firefighting skills and knowledge base, I was taught how to take pride and ownership in my crew, and department, respect for my senior officers, and both self and team discipline.
The BWFD volunteers are a dedicated, hard working group, who were all great to work with and accepting of the fact that 6 new recruits had come to live at their station and most of the time beat them to be first on trucks for all the calls.
I cant give enough praise to Work Experience Program for getting me to where I am today. The program gave me the opportunity to put my schooling to work with weekly training sessions, attend emergency calls, live and bond with a group of like minded firefighters who became family, get involved in the community, take courses to improve myself as a candidate. The opportunity to do multiple mock interviews with my Chief and Deputy Chief, helped me to improve my weak interviewing skills, which have now given me the confidence to believe I am able to do well in any interview.
The Work Experience Program was a great experience and I would once again like to thank Fire Chief Gord McCleary, Deputy Fire Chief Larry Watkinson, Captain Tom Doherty, the WEP crew and the rest of the BWFD for the experience, and opportunity I had in Big White.
