BCC offers high school firefighting course

According to Velva Jenkins, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina and the nation, and with that growth comes the need for more emergency responders, including firefighters.

To help meet the demand, Brunswick Community College is now helping students get started in a career with fire services before they graduate high school.

BCC started a new Firefighting Technology course on Jan. 29. Students ranging from 16 to 18 years old are eligible for the five-month course.

The program is currently offered at North Brunswick High School and at the Shallotte Regional Training Center with classes two nights a week for three hours. Once students complete the class, they receive an academic credit with Brunswick County Schools and are prepared for employment with individual fire departments. Those departments will then provide further training as they reach various age requirements.

“The course is a great start for many students with an interest in fire service careers,” Jenkins said. “It helps students who have that interest get the training they need. This program is so wonderful because it not only helps the community, but it helps these students become successful and productive citizens.”

Students learn basic firefighting skills including safety, communication and emergency medical care and disaster response.

For more information about the Firefighting Technology course, contact your child’s high school or BCC Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 755-7380.