Parkland College was pleased to host two representatives from the Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre (ETC) of Vermilion, AB, on July 17 and 18 for an examination of the firefighter training site based at Parkland College's Melville location. The inspection was required to assess whether Parkland College satisfies the accreditation standards for the National Fire Protection Associate (NFPA) 1001 Professional Firefighter Qualifications training program.
Chris Senaratne, Dean of the ETC, and Kirk McInroy, Manager of Technical Services, made the visit to inspect the fire training site, apparatus, and equipment, as well as to discuss working arrangements, procedures, and service needs. All indications are that Parkland College's training is indeed meeting those requirements.
The inspection revealed a few minor deficiencies in the current set-up which can be easily corrected, according to Larry Pearen, Manager of Business, Health, and Human Services at Parkland College.
"We are very committed to making this area of training the best it can be," Pearen said. "We look forward to strengthening our relationship between the two colleges as we grow this division."
Parkland College acts as a broker to provide the 13-week NFPA 1001 program in cooperation with the Lakeland College ETC. The program is the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan, providing a comprehensive blend of theory and practical skills required for entry-level firefighter positions. Eight platoons have completed the program at Parkland College with the most recent class graduating in June. The next program offering is scheduled to begin March 2013.
About Us:
Parkland College offers an array of educational services to adult learners in East Central Saskatchewan. Students can choose from trades training programs from SIAST and other institutes, the province's most diverse off-campus university offerings, as well as Industry programs, Adult Basic Education, Literacy, English as an Additional Language, and Career and Student Services.
