Provincial firefighting training site in Melville to reopen in July

Aspiring firefighters in Saskatchewan will soon have a place to train again in the province.

Parkland College’s provincial firefighting training site in Melville is to reopen in July after an investment of $1.8 million by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

The program was available at the college until it was put on hold in 2021, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant Saskatchewan residents who wanted to train to become professional firefighters had to go to other provinces.

“Our government is committed to ensuring people can train for and build a rewarding firefighting career right here in Saskatchewan. I encourage residents to consider applying and spread the word about this great opportunity,” Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said in a media release.

“This combined investment will support Parkland College in delivering quality education and training, ultimately ensuring a supply of firefighters to help keep our communities safe.”

Applications have now opened for the National Fire Protection Association training.

The funding announced Friday includes investments of $1.33 million in one-time money from the Public Safety Agency for the purchase of training equipment, up to $250,000 in annual funding from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training to deliver firefighter training programs, and up to $210,000 in Capital Grant funding in 2023-24 from the Ministry of Advanced Education for fixed, on-location capital assets.

The training centre in Melville will take in between 18 and 24 students per cohort, with the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001 program the first training offered. Other professional, industrial and volunteer training are to begin in the fall.