Firefighter Training Program
2026 Platoons - Student Information
Training at the Emergency Training Centre is designed to prepare you for a career in emergency services through intensive, hands-on, and high-standard instruction. You’ll be challenged physically, mentally, and professionally. This guide outlines the resources, expectations, and standards that will support your success. Prepare to work hard, support your team, and grow into the role of a first responder.
Uniforms
Students are expected to be in uniform on Registration Day
Uniforms are required: navy tactical pants, navy uniform shirts, navy undershirts, black belt, black socks and black polishable boots.
Uniforms can be purchased from the Derks website. On the Derks online catalogue, you will need to choose the FFTP tile, where you will be able to order your pants, shirts, shoes and belt. Derks will stitch the shoulder flashes/patches onto the uniform shirts.
We recommend students purchase a minimum of:
• 2 uniform shirts (must be dark navy)
• 2 uniform pants (must be dark navy)
• 1 pair of boots (must be black, polishable, 8 inches, CSA approved – options available at Derk’s but can be purchased anywhere)
• 1 belt (black)
• 5 under shirts (navy blue only – options available at Derk’s but can be purchased anywhere)
To ensure your uniform arrives before registration day and fits correctly, we recommend placing your order as early as possible.
Please note that if you are informed of an item on back-order, it is permissible to purchase similar looking boots/shirts/navy cargo pants (no reflective stripes) from a different store or brand.
Clothing for field exercises must be 100% cotton and suitable for wear under coveralls and/or bunker gear (shorts and tank tops are permitted under coveralls). Undershirts must be black or navy.
Please ensure you bring suitable clothing for inclement weather conditions.
The following rules are in place for your safety:
• Due to snags, rips, tears and heat, no jewelry is permitted during field exercises.
• To maintain a clean working environment, no firefighter clothing (including boots and coveralls) is permitted in the classroom, hallways or the student lounge areas.
• To maintain a consistent and professional standard of uniform and appearance, no ball caps worn indoors.
• To maintain safety, professionalism and alignment with industry standards, shorts, tank tops or open footwear are not permitted in the building or on the training field.
• Facial hair is not permitted as it interferes with the proper seal of respiratory protection. A neatly groomed moustache is acceptable, provided it does not extend below the point where the top and bottom of the lips meet.
Supplies, Materials and Textbooks
Protective Clothing
Lakeland College will provide you with all the necessary personal protective equipment for your training. This will include, but not limited to, a helmet, bunker coat, bunker pants, bunker boots, safety glasses, coveralls, and gloves. This does not include the boots that are required as part of your uniform.
Required Class/Studying Resources
Students will need to come prepared with note-taking supplies – paper, pens, HB pencils, erasers, highlighters, and a calculator with a square root function.
Technology Requirements
Students are required to have access to a laptop or computer capable of running a modern word processor (e.g. Microsoft Word or Google Docs), accessing web platforms, and participating in online learning, if applicable. Platoon 1 students should also ensure reliable internet access for the online component of their training.
Required Textbooks
Below is the list of required textbooks. Most are available in print or in a digital ebook format. Students are welcome to obtain the format that best suits their personal style of learning. Contact the Lakeland College bookstore for current pricing. Please note that the list of textbooks is subject to change.
• Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition: : Firefighter 1 ($137.35 +gst)
• Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition: : Firefighter 2($84.50 +gst)
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 6th Edition, ($166.35 +gst)
• Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition ($147.35 +gst)
Additional Resources
We strongly encourage students to take advantage of the following resources. Any costs provided are estimates.
• Essentials of Firefighting Mobile Study App ($100)
• Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition, Course Workbook
• Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Mobile Study App ($100)
• Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4th Edition.
• Exam prep books and Exam Prep Mobile Apps
• Emergency Response Guidebook, found in most App Stores
The Campus Bookstore – 1913 At Lakeland
Hard copy textbooks and most classroom/study supplies are available through our campus bookstores. You can make purchases in-person or online. If you have questions about ordering, contact our bookstore by email or by phone.
Please note that eBooks and hardcopy books can be purchased from a provider of your choice, but you must ensure it is the correct title and Edition.
Looking for Lakeland College and Lakeland Emergency Training Centre merchandise? Be sure to check out the wide selection available at the bookstore. There are plenty of options perfect for proudly representing the College and the ETC. Visit the bookstore on campus or shop online at: https://bookstore.lakelandcollege.ca/
Pre-requisites and Certifications
Platoon 1 – Blended Learning, Vermilion
Students in Platoon 1 are required to obtain Standard First Aid and CPR “C” training certification before attending the on-site training portion of the program. Your certification must be valid for the entire duration of the program.
Platoon 2 & Platoon 3 – Face to Face, On Campus - Vermilion
Students in Platoon 2 & 3 will recieve Standard First Aid and CPR “C” training as part of the program. If you already hold this certification, or equivalent, you may be exempt from the two days of training as long as you provide a copy of your certificates before registration day. Your certification must be valid for the entire duration of the program. If it has expired, you will be required to take the course. There is no tuition change or refund for a student that is exempt from this training.
NFPA 470 Dangerous Goods Awareness Level
If you already have achieved your Dangerous Goods Awareness IFSAC and/or ProBoard seal, you may be exempt from these days of training as long as you provide a copy of your certificates before registration day. There is no tuition change or refund for a student that is exempt from this training.
Submit your documentation and certificates for first aid and/or dangerous goods awareness by email to janet.carey@lakelandcollege.ca before registration day.
Attendance
Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday. Class starts at 0800 hrs, and it is expected that students arrive for class at 0745 hrs. A one hour lunch break will be provided mid day. Class routinely ends at 1700 hrs. It is to be expected that class times may change and fluctuate to accommodate a number of activities such as, but not limited to, exams, skill evaluations, guest speakers, clean up, and evening/night operations. This may include classes being conducted in the evening and/or on a weekend. The instructional team will strive to advise students of any schedule changes at the earliest opportunity.
Due to the nature of the learning, active and engaged attendance in class is mandatory. Absences, excused or unexcused, of more than 4 hours in a single week or a cumulative total of five days (40 hours) over the duration of the program may result in suspension from the program.
Evaluation and exam dates are provided at the start of the program; attendance on these dates is mandatory.
Student Conduct and Expectations
Students at the Emergency Training Centre (ETC) are expected to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their training experience. While the Lakeland College Student Code of Conduct applies to everyone, ETC students are held to an elevated standard that reflects the responsibilities of a future public servant and first responder.
Showing up prepared, punctual, and appropriately dressed for training is expected at all times. Professional communication, respect for others, a commitment to inclusion and diversity, and contributing to a positive, disciplined learning environment are also essential. These are not just program expectations they are part of building the mindset and habits required for a career in the emergency services field.
We’re proud of the reputation our students carry into the industry. As a student at the ETC, your conduct both in and out of the classroom reflects on that reputation. We expect every student to help uphold it.
For College student policies and procedures, please click this link.
Physical Preparation
Firefighter training is physically demanding. While you’ll develop specific skills and strength throughout the program, we encourage all students to arrive in good physical condition. Activities include carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, and operating in high-heat environments. You are responsible for your personal health and safety during training and are encouraged to maintain regular physical fitness.
Refunds
Refunds are calculated based on the official withdrawal date. Refunds will be considered only when proper withdrawal procedures are completed through the Office of the Registrar. The program application fee and tuition deposit are non-refundable.
If you withdraw before the program starts, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid, less the tuition deposit.
Platoon 1 – Hybrid blended Program: If you withdraw within the first five days of online classes, you are eligible for a 50% refund, less the tuition deposit. No refund after five days.
If Lakeland College cancels a program, fees will be fully refunded.
Learning, Study Resources and Accessibility Services
Lakeland provides a variety of academic and personal supports to help you succeed. These services are offered through our Commons team and include a learner strategist, accessibility services, counselling, wellness resources, and tutoring.
You also have access to tools and resources to help you excel in your studies, such as Grammarly, study skills workshops, and LinkedIn Learning.
Accessibility is about connecting students to accommodations, resources, and services they need to achieve their academic goals. To learn more about these services or connect with the accessibility team, please visit our website: Accessibility Services.
Accomodations
On Campus Residence, Vermilion
You’re only a short walk to the ETC, the fitness centre, the pool, the library, and the cafeteria. Information and a virtual tour are available on our website Residence - Lakeland College.
If you're living in Lakeland College residences, we expect you to be a positive and respectful member of that community. Your conduct in residence matters. It reflects on you and on the ETC. We maintain a strong relationship with Residence Services, and our students are expected to help uphold that through professional and responsible behavior.
Off Campus Housing
A list of off-campus housing options is available on our website at Other Housing Options Kijiji or the local Facebook page “Vermilion Rents – Rooms and Houses” are also good sources of rental property information.
Cafeteria Services
Cafeteria services at Lakeland College operate on a seasonal schedule. During the regular academic year, full services are available with standard hours. However, during the firefighter training season – from approximately May to late August – cafeteria hours may be reduced or the service may be closed entirely.
If you’re considering a meal plan or meal card, please check the cafeteria hours and availability in advance. Depending on the timing of your program or platoon, a meal plan may not be the best option.
Class Graduation
Each cohort of the Firefighter Training Program concludes with a formal graduation ceremony to recognize your achievement and welcome you into the broader emergency services community. The ceremony is a proud tradition at the Emergency Training Centre and a chance to celebrate your journey alongside your peers, instructors, family, and friends.
Graduation is a formal event, and students are required to attend in full uniform. The ceremony typically includes a personal introduction by each student, a bell-ringing tradition, and the presentation of a certificate and a challenge coin from Lakeland College. Students are individually recognized and may choose to have a family member who serves or has served in emergency services or other uniformed service present their certificate.
Ceremonies are usually held in the ETC lecture theatre. However, if attendance is expected to exceed eighty guests, the event will move to the main Lakeland College theatre to ensure all families and guests can attend comfortably. There are no ticket requirements and no limit to the number of guests you may bring.
Light refreshments are provided, and following the formal ceremony, students are encouraged to offer informal tours of the Emergency Training Centre to their guests. This may include fire apparatus rides to show the training grounds and a closer look at the facilities that shaped your training.
Each cohort may also choose to prepare a class video to showcase their experience. This is shown during the ceremony and is a highlight for many families. In addition, some cohorts create a commemorative class helmet, which is presented to the ETC as a lasting legacy. While not required, the class helmet tradition is a meaningful way to leave your mark at Lakeland.
Please note: IFSAC and ProBoard certificates are issued separately and will be mailed to you once they are received from the certifying authorities.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Enrolment Specialist, Danielle White:
• Email hello@lakelandcollege.ca
• Call toll free 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8789 or direct 780 853 8789.
• Text 780 581 0805
If your question is in regards to your tuition, payment-related or funding your education, please email studentaccounts@lakelandcollege.ca or financialaid@lakelandcollege.ca
If your question is in regards to your application, please email admissions@lakelandcollege.ca