Markham Fire and Humber College team up to promote diversity

Humber will offer eight scholarships, two each for four school terms, for students to study for a two-year Fire Services diploma followed by a one-year Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program.

MFES will provide the students’ equipment, pay for their DZ vehicle license and Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) certification. During the school term, each will be paired with a current MFES staff member who will provide mentorship and keep them connected to the fire service. Each student will also be offered summer employment in the administration office to learn other areas of the fire service and to build relationships.

Scholarship students who successfully complete their schooling and certification will be offered a job interview with MFES. Successful candidates will be offered employment as a Markham firefighter.

Scholarship applicants must live, work or attend school in Markham and identify as Black, Indigenous, and Racialized. In consultation with these identified communities via various community partners and groups, Markham Fire and Emergency Services have selected the first two scholarship recipients for the September 2021 intake. The next intake for the 2022 to 2023 school year will be made in February 2022, with more information to follow on the City’s website.

To mark this occasion, MFES is donating a fire truck and equipment that is at the end of its life to Humber’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program.