About the Program
Past WEP
Recruitment for WEP 23 is Open
The Big White Fire Department is very proud of the success and accomplishments of the WEP program over the past 22 years. Over 87% of our graduating members have gone on to career positions in 50 plus departments across Canada.
WEP 22
WEP 22
L-R
Jonathan Travers
Martin St. Pierre
Brayden Girling
Delaney Kennedy
Keshia King
Angelina Parks
Josh Kester
Aric Zajac
Jonathan Travers
Martin St. Pierre
Brayden Girling
Delaney Kennedy
Keshia King
Angelina Parks
Josh Kester
Aric Zajac
WEP 21
WEP 21
L-R
Ryan Raddysh
Matthew Greenstreet - Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Maxine Alie Poirier
Chad Grossi - Hired by Calgary Fire Services
Keegan Frederikse - Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Cameron Kapteyn - Hired by Guelph Fire Rescue
Ryan Raddysh
Matthew Greenstreet - Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Maxine Alie Poirier
Chad Grossi - Hired by Calgary Fire Services
Keegan Frederikse - Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Cameron Kapteyn - Hired by Guelph Fire Rescue
WEP 20
WEP 20
L-R
Mac Nyyssonen – Hired by Brantford Fire Services
Stew Vandermade – Hired by Brantford Fire Services
Owen Sullivan – Simcoe, ON
Miranda Hebert – Hired by Central York Fire Services
Jessica Gray – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Willem Bayly – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Justin Auger – Hired by Ajax Fire & Emergency Services
Mac Nyyssonen – Hired by Brantford Fire Services
Stew Vandermade – Hired by Brantford Fire Services
Owen Sullivan – Simcoe, ON
Miranda Hebert – Hired by Central York Fire Services
Jessica Gray – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Willem Bayly – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Justin Auger – Hired by Ajax Fire & Emergency Services
WEP 19
WEP 19
L-R
Kale Waddell – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Chris Marchand – Hired by Ottawa Fire & Emergency Services
Colvin O’Driscoll – Hired by BCWS
Michael Duch – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Nicole Pound – Hired by Saanich Fire Department
Drake Truax – Hired by North Bay Fire & Emergency Services
Frank Menard – Hired by Ottawa Fire & Emergency Services
Kale Waddell – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Chris Marchand – Hired by Ottawa Fire & Emergency Services
Colvin O’Driscoll – Hired by BCWS
Michael Duch – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Nicole Pound – Hired by Saanich Fire Department
Drake Truax – Hired by North Bay Fire & Emergency Services
Frank Menard – Hired by Ottawa Fire & Emergency Services
WEP 18
WEP 18
L-R:
Zak Liuzzo – Paid on Call with Ottawa Fire Services
Tim Sanders – Hired by New Westminster Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Scheu – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Alex Kraeft – Hired by Township of Langley Fire Department
Mischa Lowenstein – Hired by Surrey Fire Service
Cam Bedore – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Randall Andres – Hired by Richmond Fire Rescue
Zak Liuzzo – Paid on Call with Ottawa Fire Services
Tim Sanders – Hired by New Westminster Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Scheu – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Alex Kraeft – Hired by Township of Langley Fire Department
Mischa Lowenstein – Hired by Surrey Fire Service
Cam Bedore – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Randall Andres – Hired by Richmond Fire Rescue
WEP 17
WEP 17
L-R:
Brent Campbell – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Nick Levesque – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Scott Bullock – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Jake Hodgins – Peterborough, Ontario
Kirby Dykes – Hired by St Thomas Fire Department
Mike Kim – Hired by West Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Mike O’Neill – Hired by St Thomas Fire Department
Brent Campbell – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Nick Levesque – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Scott Bullock – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Jake Hodgins – Peterborough, Ontario
Kirby Dykes – Hired by St Thomas Fire Department
Mike Kim – Hired by West Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Mike O’Neill – Hired by St Thomas Fire Department
WEP 16
WEP 16
L-R:
Conor Williams – Hired at Langley City Fire Rescue Service
Michael Mates – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Scott Woods – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Gordon Spear – Hired by Kelowna Fire Department
Vanessa Schabkar – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Paige Kulhanek – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Sean Lascelles – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Conor Williams – Hired at Langley City Fire Rescue Service
Michael Mates – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Scott Woods – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Gordon Spear – Hired by Kelowna Fire Department
Vanessa Schabkar – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Paige Kulhanek – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Sean Lascelles – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
WEP 15
WEP 15
L-R:
Jordan Kirkby – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services
Dave Barszcz – Hired by St. Catharines Fire & Emergency Services
Thomas Landell – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Curtis Keen – Hired by Nanaimo Fire Rescue
Marc Ayson-Banico – Hired by Surrey Fire Service
Michael Cuzzupe – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Jordan Kirkby – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services
Dave Barszcz – Hired by St. Catharines Fire & Emergency Services
Thomas Landell – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Curtis Keen – Hired by Nanaimo Fire Rescue
Marc Ayson-Banico – Hired by Surrey Fire Service
Michael Cuzzupe – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
WEP 14
WEP 14
Top Row
Steve Oishi – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services
Ryan McLachrie – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Charles Lalande – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services – View Testimonial Bottom Row
John Jose – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Mark Sukhdeo – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Joel Boucher – Paid on Call with Big White Fire Department
Brandon Carroll – Hired by Toronto Fire Services (Not in picture)
Steve Oishi – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services
Ryan McLachrie – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Charles Lalande – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services – View Testimonial Bottom Row
John Jose – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Mark Sukhdeo – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Joel Boucher – Paid on Call with Big White Fire Department
Brandon Carroll – Hired by Toronto Fire Services (Not in picture)
WEP 13
WEP 13
L-R
Dan MacDonald – Hired by New Westminster Fire Rescue Services
Mitchell Kinahan – Trail BC
Dave Hutchinson – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Leigh Lacroix – Hired by Welland Fire & Emergency Services
Darcy Myers – Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
Dan MacDonald – Hired by New Westminster Fire Rescue Services
Mitchell Kinahan – Trail BC
Dave Hutchinson – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Leigh Lacroix – Hired by Welland Fire & Emergency Services
Darcy Myers – Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
WEP 12
WEP 12
L-R:
Travis McEwan – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Dallas Costanzo – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Sean McCarthy – Hired by Kelowna Fire Department
Matthew Tomlin, Melbourne, Australia
Mark Laberge – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Danny Quinn – Hired by Burnaby Fire Department
Travis McEwan – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Dallas Costanzo – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Sean McCarthy – Hired by Kelowna Fire Department
Matthew Tomlin, Melbourne, Australia
Mark Laberge – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Danny Quinn – Hired by Burnaby Fire Department
WEP 11
WEP 11
L-R:
Matt O’Connor – Hired by Markham Fire & Emergency Services
Jake Allen – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Matthew Hilton – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Andrew Caprio – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Kyle Grim – Hired by Woodstock Fire Department
Steven Mercier – Hired by Delta Fire & Emergency Services
Matt O’Connor – Hired by Markham Fire & Emergency Services
Jake Allen – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Matthew Hilton – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Andrew Caprio – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Kyle Grim – Hired by Woodstock Fire Department
Steven Mercier – Hired by Delta Fire & Emergency Services
WEP 10
WEP 10
L-R:
Chris Day – Hired by CFB Esquimalt
Thomas Whyard – Paid on Call with Powell River Fire Rescue
Lyndsay Porter – Whitby, Ont.
Carmen Sonnenburg – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Trevor Thorburn – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Bice – Hired by Medicine Hat Fire Rescue Not in picture
Danielle Alosinac – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Chris Day – Hired by CFB Esquimalt
Thomas Whyard – Paid on Call with Powell River Fire Rescue
Lyndsay Porter – Whitby, Ont.
Carmen Sonnenburg – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Trevor Thorburn – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Bice – Hired by Medicine Hat Fire Rescue Not in picture
Danielle Alosinac – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
WEP 9
WEP 9
L-R:
Mike Shaw – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Jeremy Brodtrick – Hired by North Vancouver Fire Department
Nate Geerlinks – Hired by Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services
Ryan Gayed – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Phillip Doerksen – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Shayne Gait Not in picture
Dennis Caloura – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Mike Shaw – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Jeremy Brodtrick – Hired by North Vancouver Fire Department
Nate Geerlinks – Hired by Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services
Ryan Gayed – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Phillip Doerksen – Hired by Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
Shayne Gait Not in picture
Dennis Caloura – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
WEP 8
WEP 8
L-R:
Graham Weatherall – Hired by London Fire Department
Mark Pringle
Chad Skands – Hired by Delta Fire & Emergency Services
Kyle Clapdorp –Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
Mark Kyle Mitchell – Hired by Guelph Fire Department
Beniot Marleau – Paid on Call with Ellison Fire Department
Graham Weatherall – Hired by London Fire Department
Mark Pringle
Chad Skands – Hired by Delta Fire & Emergency Services
Kyle Clapdorp –Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
Mark Kyle Mitchell – Hired by Guelph Fire Department
Beniot Marleau – Paid on Call with Ellison Fire Department
WEP 7
WEP 7
L-R:
Jeff Bartlett – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Woods – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Will Kuechler – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Matt Pottle – Hired by Orillia Fire Department
Ryan McConnell – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
David Flanagan – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Jeff Bartlett – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Ryan Woods – Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Will Kuechler – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Matt Pottle – Hired by Orillia Fire Department
Ryan McConnell – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
David Flanagan – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
WEP 6
WEP 6
L-R:
Andrew Stauth – Hired by Oakville Fire Department
Brent Edwards – Hired by Fredericton Fire Department
James Siddall – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Shahram Goshtasbpour-Parsi – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Adam Winn – Hired by Fort St. John Fire Department
Dan McKenna – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Shayne Michie (Not in picture)
Andrew Stauth – Hired by Oakville Fire Department
Brent Edwards – Hired by Fredericton Fire Department
James Siddall – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Shahram Goshtasbpour-Parsi – Hired by Toronto Fire Services
Adam Winn – Hired by Fort St. John Fire Department
Dan McKenna – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Shayne Michie (Not in picture)
WEP 5
WEP 5
L-R:
Andrew Clark – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Mike Griffin – Hired by Richmond Fire Rescue
Trevor Spooner – Paid on Call with Campbell River Fire Department
Scott Sproston – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Jason Rouse – Hired by London Fire Department
Doug Jones – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Andrew Clark – Hired by Ottawa Fire Services
Mike Griffin – Hired by Richmond Fire Rescue
Trevor Spooner – Paid on Call with Campbell River Fire Department
Scott Sproston – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Jason Rouse – Hired by London Fire Department
Doug Jones – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
WEP 4
WEP 4
L-R:
Geoff Allen – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Steve Conkin – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services
Brock Pinder – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Jonathan Jenion – Paid on Call with Kelowna Fire Department
Dan Coledi – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Steve Skomedal – Hired by North Vancouver City Fire Department
Geoff Allen – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Steve Conkin – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services
Brock Pinder – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Jonathan Jenion – Paid on Call with Kelowna Fire Department
Dan Coledi – Hired by Calgary Fire Department
Steve Skomedal – Hired by North Vancouver City Fire Department
WEP 3
WEP 3
L-R:
Todd Kelly – Hired by Kamloops Fire Department
Spencer Hughes– Hired by Coquitlam Fire Rescue
Craig Pearce – Hired by West Vancouver Fire Rescues Services
Courtney Inglis – Paid on Call with Kelowna Fire Department
Conan McCarthy – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Mike Neault – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (Not in picture)
Dennis Eva – Hired by Fredericton Fire Department
Todd Kelly – Hired by Kamloops Fire Department
Spencer Hughes– Hired by Coquitlam Fire Rescue
Craig Pearce – Hired by West Vancouver Fire Rescues Services
Courtney Inglis – Paid on Call with Kelowna Fire Department
Conan McCarthy – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Mike Neault – Hired by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (Not in picture)
Dennis Eva – Hired by Fredericton Fire Department
WEP 2
WEP 2
L-R:
Doug Foster – Hired by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Paul Smith – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Conan McCarthy – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Chris Bergeron – Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
Marty Jurak – Hired by St. Catharines Fire & Emergency Services
Todd Kelly – Hired by Kamloops Fire Department
Doug Foster – Hired by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Paul Smith – Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Conan McCarthy – Hired by West Kelowna Fire Rescue
Chris Bergeron – Hired by Hamilton Fire Department
Marty Jurak – Hired by St. Catharines Fire & Emergency Services
Todd Kelly – Hired by Kamloops Fire Department
WEP 1
WEP 1
L-R:
Rob Trevelyan – Hired by Prince George Fire Rescue Services
Steve Conkin – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services
Mike Holliday – Hired by Prince George Fire Rescue Services
Mike Hales (Not in picture)
Frank Cupello
Rob Trevelyan – Hired by Prince George Fire Rescue Services
Steve Conkin – Hired by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services
Mike Holliday – Hired by Prince George Fire Rescue Services
Mike Hales (Not in picture)
Frank Cupello
What Graduates Are Saying
Being part of WEP 19 was the experience of a lifetime. I’ve had a hard time writing this testimonial as it’s difficult to put into words what the Department and the Program have meant to me. Joining WEP 19 was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life and for my career. The reality nowadays is that fire school alone isn’t usually enough to get hired. The Big
White Work Experience Program gives you the experience you need to stand out in the applicant pool and the skills to be successful once hired.
Many of the WEP members who have come before me have written about the extensive training and work experience offered by the Program. As much as I appreciated gaining skills, certifications and work experience, I also value the immersion in the firehall and life in the fire service. A big part of the experience for me was living and working every day for 11 months with my colleagues, who were complete strangers at first and have become life-long friends. I also learned a lot about community service from the ties the Department has with the Big White School and local community.
In the summer months, the Program provides a lot of hands-on training to build confidence and skills in preparation for the busy ski season. From rope rescue to driver training, the Program exposes you to all aspects of firefighter training. In no time, you are on calls and taking on different roles on the crew, which is a unique experience in itself for a rookie firefighter. Switching positions from team lead in the officers seat to driver/pump operator and firefighter is a great opportunity to learn and gain skills in each role.
I fully credit the success I had in getting hired to this Program. Without it, I would still be sending in applications and it would have been a longer road to achieving my career goals. I fully endorse the Big White Work Experience Program and can say without a doubt that applying to the Program is the best decision you could ever make, with the added bonus of living in the mountains at one of the best ski resorts for 11 months.
~ Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
Many of the WEP members who have come before me have written about the extensive training and work experience offered by the Program. As much as I appreciated gaining skills, certifications and work experience, I also value the immersion in the firehall and life in the fire service. A big part of the experience for me was living and working every day for 11 months with my colleagues, who were complete strangers at first and have become life-long friends. I also learned a lot about community service from the ties the Department has with the Big White School and local community.
In the summer months, the Program provides a lot of hands-on training to build confidence and skills in preparation for the busy ski season. From rope rescue to driver training, the Program exposes you to all aspects of firefighter training. In no time, you are on calls and taking on different roles on the crew, which is a unique experience in itself for a rookie firefighter. Switching positions from team lead in the officers seat to driver/pump operator and firefighter is a great opportunity to learn and gain skills in each role.
I fully credit the success I had in getting hired to this Program. Without it, I would still be sending in applications and it would have been a longer road to achieving my career goals. I fully endorse the Big White Work Experience Program and can say without a doubt that applying to the Program is the best decision you could ever make, with the added bonus of living in the mountains at one of the best ski resorts for 11 months.
~ Hired by Niagara Falls Fire Department
In June 2016 I graduated from Fire College and began my journey to become a career firefighter. From June, 2016 until April 2020, I studied for exams and drove all across Ontario writing aptitude tests for different fire departments. For many of those exams I was either not successful or didn’t score high enough to be selected to continue on to the interview process.
In 2018, I moved to a small town in order to gain experience as a volunteer firefighter. I also got other firefighting related certifications so my resume would look more appealing to departments. Even with my new and improved resume and experience along with numerous types of volunteer work I was still having no luck getting an interview from the departments I sent my application to. That’s when I knew I needed to do more! This next phase changed everything in my life! I heard about the BWFD work experience program through a buddy from pre-service college program who told me that the WEP helped him get hired at age 21 as a firefighter. He said it was the best thing he did for his career so I applied and was successful; little did I know my life was about to change.
The 11 months I spent in the WEP program changed me as a firefighter and a person. Under the leadership of Chief Cormack, Deputy Chief Foster and Deputy Chief Henderson along with all the great paid and on-call firefighters I gained an abundance of knowledge, skills and confidence.
In addition to becoming a better firefighter I gained 6 great friends whom which I was fortunate to meet and grow with during these 11 months. It was refreshing to be able to completely focus on fire fighting for 11 months and not be distracted with all the other tasks that life brings with it.
Now back to the application journey. In the winter of 2021, while still at the Big White Fire Department, I was allowed to start sending out applications to fire departments and with the skills, confidence and certifications acquired from the work experience program I was successful at securing a few interviews. A few of these interviews I even did in my bedroom at the fire hall. As a result of the expert interview training I received through the WEP program and guidance from Chief and Deps I was successful which subsequently led me through the process and received a successful job offer. I am currently on the Mississauga Fire Department.
The work experience program and Big White fire department is the most organized, efficient and best run program I’ve ever been part of from the day you arrive until the day you leave. There is no doubt in my mind that I would never have been hired by the Mississauga Fire Department if it were not for my experience with the work experience program at the Big White Fire Department. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will have these memories and friends forever.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
In 2018, I moved to a small town in order to gain experience as a volunteer firefighter. I also got other firefighting related certifications so my resume would look more appealing to departments. Even with my new and improved resume and experience along with numerous types of volunteer work I was still having no luck getting an interview from the departments I sent my application to. That’s when I knew I needed to do more! This next phase changed everything in my life! I heard about the BWFD work experience program through a buddy from pre-service college program who told me that the WEP helped him get hired at age 21 as a firefighter. He said it was the best thing he did for his career so I applied and was successful; little did I know my life was about to change.
The 11 months I spent in the WEP program changed me as a firefighter and a person. Under the leadership of Chief Cormack, Deputy Chief Foster and Deputy Chief Henderson along with all the great paid and on-call firefighters I gained an abundance of knowledge, skills and confidence.
In addition to becoming a better firefighter I gained 6 great friends whom which I was fortunate to meet and grow with during these 11 months. It was refreshing to be able to completely focus on fire fighting for 11 months and not be distracted with all the other tasks that life brings with it.
Now back to the application journey. In the winter of 2021, while still at the Big White Fire Department, I was allowed to start sending out applications to fire departments and with the skills, confidence and certifications acquired from the work experience program I was successful at securing a few interviews. A few of these interviews I even did in my bedroom at the fire hall. As a result of the expert interview training I received through the WEP program and guidance from Chief and Deps I was successful which subsequently led me through the process and received a successful job offer. I am currently on the Mississauga Fire Department.
The work experience program and Big White fire department is the most organized, efficient and best run program I’ve ever been part of from the day you arrive until the day you leave. There is no doubt in my mind that I would never have been hired by the Mississauga Fire Department if it were not for my experience with the work experience program at the Big White Fire Department. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will have these memories and friends forever.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
If you want to be a career firefighter, the Big White Work Experience Program is for you.
Prior to me joining Big White, I believed my resume had all the necessary components for me to land my dream job. I had played hockey at a high level which taught me about being part of a team. I received a University degree in Business as well as Emergency Management Certificates in a technical college, I am bilingual and I’m a Class 1 Operator (A-Z licence). I got a job as a Fire Prevention Assistant at Ottawa University. I even moved back to my hometown to join the volunteer Fire Department. Still, it wasn’t enough!
The harsh reality is that the competition is extremely fierce in the recruitment process. A minimal number of openings are available for an abundance of candidates. You can spend thousands of dollars to be in the top percentile of applicants: trainings, certificates, aptitude tests, attend practical’s, interviews- yet there’s no guarantee that you will be successful. I worked hard on my resume, to land those “resume jobs” to increase my odds of getting hired, yet it wasn’t enough. I was missing the EXPERIENCE. I was fortunate enough to be selected for WEP 19. It turned out to be the best thing for my career! Here’s why:
As a new WEP coming to Big White, my expectations were exceeded from the day I arrived. During the summer months, I/we trained to reach the Big White standard in order to have the right tools, confidence and skills needed for various calls during the peak season at Big White (November-April). This included getting more certificates added to my resume, operating tools, driving fire apparatus’, conducting size-ups and having many guest speakers share their knowledge with me/us.
After the summer months (bootcamp), call volume increased and WEP members shiftwork started. Each day, I experienced a different role: Driver/Operator, Team Leader, Firefighter/Medic. I had the opportunity to train different skills, to work with tools, to do chores as well as respond to calls just as a firefighter would. Once you become a career firefighter, it can take years for your to be a Driver/Operator or a captain, but at Big White you can get that experience these roles within a few months!
Big White Fire Department has many mentors to help you become a better firefighter. Chief Cormack and Deputy Chief Foster were some of the most impactful influences I have had throughout my life. This was due to their dedication to the program and community, their work ethic, friendship, leadership and professionalism. They made me and other members feel right at home and to be a part of their family with an open-door policy 24/7!
Although it can seem like a long time away from family and friends, the year will fly by! The relationships that you will build with other WEP members is incomparable. You live with other members going through the same things you are. Like you, they want to be career firefighters: trainings, classroom, workouts, cooking and being there for each other throughout the year. Also, safe to say, many pranks!!! Within three months of completing the program, I was hired by Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services. Out of 1300 applicants, they only hired a total of 21 recruits! And 3 of those recruits were BWFD WEP members! The hiring rate after completion of the program is in the 90’s. This is because they work with you for 11 months to give you the right tools you need to be successful, they mentor you to be a critical thinking firefighter and they even help you with the job application process! The best investment I could have made was to join the Big White Family.
If you’re looking to become a career firefighter, experiencing the Big White Fire Department WEP is the road that leads to success.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Prior to me joining Big White, I believed my resume had all the necessary components for me to land my dream job. I had played hockey at a high level which taught me about being part of a team. I received a University degree in Business as well as Emergency Management Certificates in a technical college, I am bilingual and I’m a Class 1 Operator (A-Z licence). I got a job as a Fire Prevention Assistant at Ottawa University. I even moved back to my hometown to join the volunteer Fire Department. Still, it wasn’t enough!
The harsh reality is that the competition is extremely fierce in the recruitment process. A minimal number of openings are available for an abundance of candidates. You can spend thousands of dollars to be in the top percentile of applicants: trainings, certificates, aptitude tests, attend practical’s, interviews- yet there’s no guarantee that you will be successful. I worked hard on my resume, to land those “resume jobs” to increase my odds of getting hired, yet it wasn’t enough. I was missing the EXPERIENCE. I was fortunate enough to be selected for WEP 19. It turned out to be the best thing for my career! Here’s why:
As a new WEP coming to Big White, my expectations were exceeded from the day I arrived. During the summer months, I/we trained to reach the Big White standard in order to have the right tools, confidence and skills needed for various calls during the peak season at Big White (November-April). This included getting more certificates added to my resume, operating tools, driving fire apparatus’, conducting size-ups and having many guest speakers share their knowledge with me/us.
After the summer months (bootcamp), call volume increased and WEP members shiftwork started. Each day, I experienced a different role: Driver/Operator, Team Leader, Firefighter/Medic. I had the opportunity to train different skills, to work with tools, to do chores as well as respond to calls just as a firefighter would. Once you become a career firefighter, it can take years for your to be a Driver/Operator or a captain, but at Big White you can get that experience these roles within a few months!
Big White Fire Department has many mentors to help you become a better firefighter. Chief Cormack and Deputy Chief Foster were some of the most impactful influences I have had throughout my life. This was due to their dedication to the program and community, their work ethic, friendship, leadership and professionalism. They made me and other members feel right at home and to be a part of their family with an open-door policy 24/7!
Although it can seem like a long time away from family and friends, the year will fly by! The relationships that you will build with other WEP members is incomparable. You live with other members going through the same things you are. Like you, they want to be career firefighters: trainings, classroom, workouts, cooking and being there for each other throughout the year. Also, safe to say, many pranks!!! Within three months of completing the program, I was hired by Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services. Out of 1300 applicants, they only hired a total of 21 recruits! And 3 of those recruits were BWFD WEP members! The hiring rate after completion of the program is in the 90’s. This is because they work with you for 11 months to give you the right tools you need to be successful, they mentor you to be a critical thinking firefighter and they even help you with the job application process! The best investment I could have made was to join the Big White Family.
If you’re looking to become a career firefighter, experiencing the Big White Fire Department WEP is the road that leads to success.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Where do I start?!
It’s difficult to put into writing what an 11 month commitment to the Big White Fire Department’s Work Experience Program has done for my firefighting career. Prior to getting hired by Big White, I had what many of you reading this might have:
I had been trying to get hired for 3 years and was getting frustrated with the process. I kept editing my cover letter & resume trying to figure out what else I could do to be noticed during the application process. One of many things I learned from those failed interviews was that I needed firefighting experience. I needed to get my hands dirty with some emergency calls. That’s when Big White came through! I was fortunate and honoured to be chosen for the WEP 16 crew alongside 6 other firefighters aiming for the same thing, an opportunity to become a full-time career firefighter.
The experience at the Big White Fire Department, from the application straight through to graduation, prepared me for the process of applying for a full-time firefighter position. The focus on professionalism, pride, ownership, honour and attitude enhanced my confidence level in every aspect of the job. From the emergency calls to the community involvement; the daily station duties to the responsibility placed on me and my crew during emergency situations was everything I needed and MORE to get to the next level.
I learned more about the service, how to be a conscientious firefighter, the dos & more importantly the don’ts. I was immersed in the BWFD family and community culture, which emphasized the importance of working together as a crew; on and off duty; trusting and relying on those around you no matter what the situation may be. I was trained and trusted with the skills & abilities needed to be a frontline Firefighter, Medical First Responder, Driver/Pump Operator, Team Lead and Public Educator through our 5 month training program during the summer. One of the highlights for me of the program was being deployed during the wildfire months as part of a structural protection unit for 2 weeks in the BC interior. Something that I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do turned into a challenging 14 day deployment that gave me a new perspective on how dynamic and committed individuals are to this service and their communities.
What was unique about this program was that I had the opportunity to make it what I wanted; what I put into it was what I was getting out of it. I soaked up all the different ways we as firefighters train. My Chiefs, Captains and fellow POC & WEP firefighters created a learning environment that was engaging and allowed for me to be the best version of myself while I was part of the BWFD. To me that is the ultimate success. The mentorship, education and support of the BWFD’s WEP inevitably lead to being hired with the Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services.
I will always be grateful for the time and commitment of everyone involved in structuring and delivering this program. I will never forget where my career started. So if you’re questioning or wondering whether going into a bit of debt, moving away from your loved ones and sacrificing a year of your life is worth it?! It’s 100% WORTH IT and you should take the chance because it might just be the best decision of your career… it was for me.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
- An extensive work background
- Post-secondary education
- Pre-Service
- Medical training
- Volunteering
- Numerous fire related courses
- Couple of failed interviews (including a previous Big White one in 2015)
- And way too many updated OFAI certifications to want to talk about (eye roll)
I had been trying to get hired for 3 years and was getting frustrated with the process. I kept editing my cover letter & resume trying to figure out what else I could do to be noticed during the application process. One of many things I learned from those failed interviews was that I needed firefighting experience. I needed to get my hands dirty with some emergency calls. That’s when Big White came through! I was fortunate and honoured to be chosen for the WEP 16 crew alongside 6 other firefighters aiming for the same thing, an opportunity to become a full-time career firefighter.
The experience at the Big White Fire Department, from the application straight through to graduation, prepared me for the process of applying for a full-time firefighter position. The focus on professionalism, pride, ownership, honour and attitude enhanced my confidence level in every aspect of the job. From the emergency calls to the community involvement; the daily station duties to the responsibility placed on me and my crew during emergency situations was everything I needed and MORE to get to the next level.
I learned more about the service, how to be a conscientious firefighter, the dos & more importantly the don’ts. I was immersed in the BWFD family and community culture, which emphasized the importance of working together as a crew; on and off duty; trusting and relying on those around you no matter what the situation may be. I was trained and trusted with the skills & abilities needed to be a frontline Firefighter, Medical First Responder, Driver/Pump Operator, Team Lead and Public Educator through our 5 month training program during the summer. One of the highlights for me of the program was being deployed during the wildfire months as part of a structural protection unit for 2 weeks in the BC interior. Something that I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do turned into a challenging 14 day deployment that gave me a new perspective on how dynamic and committed individuals are to this service and their communities.
What was unique about this program was that I had the opportunity to make it what I wanted; what I put into it was what I was getting out of it. I soaked up all the different ways we as firefighters train. My Chiefs, Captains and fellow POC & WEP firefighters created a learning environment that was engaging and allowed for me to be the best version of myself while I was part of the BWFD. To me that is the ultimate success. The mentorship, education and support of the BWFD’s WEP inevitably lead to being hired with the Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services.
I will always be grateful for the time and commitment of everyone involved in structuring and delivering this program. I will never forget where my career started. So if you’re questioning or wondering whether going into a bit of debt, moving away from your loved ones and sacrificing a year of your life is worth it?! It’s 100% WORTH IT and you should take the chance because it might just be the best decision of your career… it was for me.
~ Hired by Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services
Previous
Next