City Of Toronto Launches Pilot Project To Give Youth Hands-on Experience In Firefighting, Policing

The City of Toronto and other stakeholders have launched a pilot project that is giving dozens of youth paid, hands-on experience in firefighting and policing amid ongoing emergency services recruitment efforts.

During an announcement at Seneca Polytechnic on Thursday, officials said the youth community academy will allow 40 high school students to spend a month focusing on firefighting and a month focusing on police foundations.

The summer-long initiative is taking place at the college, which already has programs in both fields, and students will be paid. Students will also receive a microcredit that can be used toward their education going forward.

“Youth exuberance, excitement where they can learn great skills, learn about service – whether police or fire – gain confidence and also have a summer job. It’s a win-win situation,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told reporters when asked about what she’s heard from participants.

“Not everyone can do unpaid internships in the summer. There are a lot of programs where they get unpaid internships, but a lot of kids need a job and this gives them that,” Don Valley East Coun. Jon Burnside noted.

Chow and others noted ongoing recruitment efforts to bolster the ranks of Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Police Service, adding there’s a desire to see a stronger local base of applicants.

“Knowing the city, knowing the neighbourhoods or even growing up in the neighbourhoods really gives extra support to the people they support. However, it’s difficult because the cost of living in the city of Toronto is quite high,” Chow said.

Eighteen-year-old Amildon Calongo said being paid while learning new skills has been critical for him.