2024 Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced Dates

Program Code - Fire 2024-08E+   August Intake 2024 - August 12, 2024 to November 4, 2024

• Application Deadline: Thursday, August 8, 2024
• First Day of Program at ESA: Monday, August 12, 2024
• Last Official Day of Program: Friday, November 1, 2024
• Fitness: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 7:00-8:00am (Dates TBD)

ESA DATES AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  Notice of any changes will be listed on this website and can be confirmed by contacting ESA by phone or email.

ESA fees are subject to review and will be updated by October 1 of each calendar year.

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2025 Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced Dates

Program Code - Fire 2025-03E+   March Intake 2025 - March 24, 2025 to June 13, 2025

• Application Deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025
• First Day of Program at ESA: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Last Official Day of Program: Friday, June 13, 2025
• Fitness: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 7:00-8:00am (Dates TBD)
   

Program Code - Fire 2025-08E+   August Intake 2025 - August 11, 2025 to October 31, 2025

• Application Deadline: Monday, July 28, 2025
• First Day of Program at ESA: Monday, August 11, 2025
• Last Official Day of Program: Friday, October 31, 2025
• Fitness: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 7:00-8:00am (Dates TBD)

ESA DATES AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  Notice of any changes will be listed on this website and can be confirmed by contacting ESA by phone or email.

ESA fees are subject to review and will be updated by October 1 of each calendar year.

FAQs.  Which Professional Fire Fighter Program is best for you?  The Professional Fire Fighter - Flex or the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced?

1. What are the target audiences for each program? 

Either program offers an effective education method for any person interested in a fire fighting career. Both programs offer the basic prerequisites required by most potential employers. The full-time Enhanced program, where all aspects of education and training are directly facilitated and led by experienced instructors, better meets the needs of those who thrive in a classroom environment and learn well not just from their instructors but also benefit from interactions with classmates. The part-time blended learning Flex program is designed to accommodate those whose current careers, family lives, and financial responsibilities will benefit from them being able to follow a flexible learning schedule, with less full-time scheduled study. We encourage interested candidates to discuss both options with our staff to assist in selecting the program which best meets your needs.

2. Why does the Enhanced program cost more? 

The Flex program is an accredited program which meets all of the expectations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Level I and II standard, known as the Professional Firefighter Standard. This is the core pre-requisite for most career fire departments in Canada. Flex also includes NFPA 472 Hazmat Awareness and Operations.  

The Enhanced program meets all of the competencies covered in the Flex program, but also includes additional certifications:

• NFPA 1001: Level I & II Professional Fire Fighter  
• NFPA 470: Awareness and Operations Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 1002:  Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
• NFPA 1140: Wildland Firefighter  
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS):  Access
• NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Awareness
• Firefighter Self Rescue
• Aquatic Spinal Rescue

The additional certifications in the Enhanced program are not prerequisites for most Canadian career fire departments, but they definitely provide competitive advantages during hiring processes, as well as setting the table for career advancement after hiring.  

3. What are the advantages of the full-time Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced? 

The Enhanced program offers more certifications, providing candidates with a more robust resume and a broader field of potential employers. The program is also led and facilitated in its entirety by experienced ESA instructors. Students typically feel they benefit by learning not only from instructors, but also from other students. Full-time programs develop a camaraderie and team-based feel similar to an emergency services career.

4. What are the advantages of the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex? 

The Flex program allows those with family, professional, or other commitments to study with a flexible and largely self-driven schedule that allows them to maintain life-academic balance. The certification gained is the core certification required as a prerequisite by most career Canadian fire departments.

5. Which program is better at helping graduates get jobs? 

Both programs provide the core prerequisite required by the majority of career Canadian fire departments.

The full-time Enhanced program has been offered by ESA for more than a decade, and has an exceptional job placement rate for graduates. The part-time Flex program is a newer offering which has been developed with the onset of new delivery technologies and platforms.

It is predictable that both programs will be successful in getting our graduates good fire service jobs. Fire departments seek well rounded individuals, and fire education and training is just one component of the hiring assessment. For example, a graduate of the Flex program who has significant work and life experience, and chose the part-time study option to allow successful life-academic balance, would be a strong candidate for hiring.

6. Where can I get advice outside of ESA about what type of program to take? 

Ask lots of questions! Talk to current firefighters, fire chiefs, and human resource professionals responsible for hiring processes. Their advice is very useful in making an informed decision. 

• Graduates of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter program will be competent as per all competencies of applicable National Fire Protection Association standards (including NFPA 1001 Level I and II and NFPA 470-Operations) and the accreditation requirements of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and ProBoard.
• Staff, faculty, partners, and students of ESA will be provided with a safe and respectful working and learning environment.
• Learning at ESA will be supported through provision of access for students to experienced, qualified faculty, and the support and guidance of professional administrative staff.
• Achievement of proficiency will be supported through access to high quality learning materials and equipment, effective instructor to student ratios, and appropriate practical training sites.
• Professional development of ESA students and graduates will be enhanced through ESA’s demonstrated commitment to stakeholder focused, evidence-based firefighting and rescue practices, modeling of a team based approach to public safety, and an established culture of accountability to ethical and professional standards.

Why should you take your Enhanced Fire training at ESA?

ESA offers some important ADVANTAGES in the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced.

Most importantly, the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced provides training which exceeds the accreditation requirements of the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA"). Successful graduates receive IFSAC and ProBoard accredited certificates plus additional certifications.

ProBoard and IFSAC Certificates from the Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs):

• NFPA 1001: Level I Professional Fire Fighter
• NFPA 1001: Level II Professional Fire Fighter  
• NFPA 470: Awareness Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 470: Operations Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 1140: Wildland Firefighter 
• NFPA 1002: Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS): Access

Additional Certificates from ESA:

• ESA Professional Fire Fighter
• NFPA 1006 (Rope Rescue Awareness)
• BTLS Access
• Fire Fighter Self Rescue
• Aquatic Spinal Rescue

The Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced at ESA has other important advantages: 

• Online:  ESA utilizes an integrated, online interface and E-Books for the Fire Program.
• Location: ESA is located in a major metropolitan area with its campus location being in Sherwood Park, Alberta, a suburb of Edmonton. The area offers excellent amenities and many accommodation options for all budgets.
• Transferability: Students from anywhere in Canada can attend ESA and return home with applicable certifications and an advantage in gaining emergency services employment, especially in career departments.
• Practical Training Sites: ESA uses a variety of excellent off-site locations for practical training for the Enhanced Program including the live fire training grounds at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Strathcona County Emergency Services fire stations, a wildland location in Strathcona County and a commercial vehicle extrication site.
• Equipment:  Training aids and equipment used during practical training in the Enhanced Program includes full personal fire fighting gear, fire training towers, fire apparatus, vehicle extrication equipment and technical rescue equipment.
• Instructors:  ESA instructors are career professionals in their role as Fire Fighters, Fire Officers, Fire Fighter/PCPs and Fire Fighter/Paramedics. Career professionals provide a large instructor pool with a variety of skills and expertise.
• Ratios:  ESA maintains low student to instructor ratios for practical training.
• Fitness Training:  The fitness component in the Enhanced Program focuses on functional exercise and job specific training.​ Our students train to be successful in the firefighter physical portion of job competitions.
• Career Preparation:  Students receive extensive career preparation during the Enhanced Program, including assistance in writing employment application letters and resumes.  A software partnership between ESA and myBlueprint provides additional online help with job preparation, including budgeting.
• Career Interview:  Preparation for job interviews is based on one-on-one simulated interviews conducted by fire professionals during the last week of the Enhanced Program.
• Fitness Assessment:  A physical assessment for fire fighters is completed at the University of Alberta during the last week of the Enhanced Program.
• License:  ESA's Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced is licensed by the Private Career Colleges Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.  
• Funding:  The ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced is eligible for federal and provincial funding through Student Aid. Alberta students can apply for federal and provincial loans and scholarships online at Student Aid Alberta.  Students from outside of Alberta can apply based on their home address/province.

Examinations

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) courses are examined through practical audits and written examinations provided and marked by the Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs

Based on the Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs accreditation, a mark of 70% or greater is required o­n each examination. Students receiving marks of 60% to 69% on an examination will be allowed one rewrite. Marks below 60% are considered a failure. Rewrites are an additional cost to the student.

Accreditation

The Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs holds the accreditation for fire fighter training in the province of Alberta. ESA liaises directly with the Municipal Affairs regarding examinations, evaluations and certifications.  Costs of examinations, evaluations and certificates are included in ESA tuition fees.

The successful student in the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced will receive the following certifications:

ProBoard and IFSAC Certificates from the Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs:

• NFPA 1001: Level I Professional Fire Fighter  
• NFPA 1001: Level II Professional Fire Fighter
• NFPA 470: Awareness Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 470: Operations Level for Responder to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 1002:  Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (IFSAC Certificate only)
• NFPA 1140: Wildland Firefighter  

Other Certificates:

• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS): Access - NAIT certificate
• NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Awareness
• ESA Firefighter Survival Skills
• ESA Aquatic Spinal Rescue
• Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Rapid Response Series 1: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• International Critical Incident Stress Foundation - Canada, Inc. - The Secrets of Psychological Body Armour

Prerequisites

Applicants for both of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Programs must meet the following prerequisites.  Details are included in the application package.

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma verified by transcripts, GED, or post-secondary education equivalent to or above a grade 12 level as evidenced by transcripts. Students may be accepted who have not met this requirement for existing education. Please contact ESA in advance of submitting an application. 
• Minimum Class 5 Driver's License and Airbrake Endorsement.  Fire students must hold a valid driver's license to be eligible to participate in the practical driving component of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program. 
• Driver's Abstract
• Standard First Aid 
• Basic Rescuer - CPR Level C or Health Care Provider (Heart & Stroke Foundation - Standard First Aid- CPR/AED Level C, St. John's Ambulance or Red Cross) Or more advanced qualifications; Advanced First Aid, e.g. wallet card from approved first aid training agency, ACP practice permit.
• ICS-I-100- Certificate of successful completion
• Alberta Student Number
• Medical Form completed and signed by a physician within 6 months of the first day of classes at ESA
• Resume
• Two letters of character reference
• Upon receipt of a complete application package, ESA will set up an interview with the ESA Fire Coordinator or designated representative.

ICS I-100- The Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs, which is the accrediting body for the Professional Fire Fighter Program, has updated their NFPA 1001 Level I & II prerequisites. Municipal Affairs requires that all students complete the ICS I-100 online course prior to the 1001 program. The online course will take approximately 2 - 4 hours to complete.  There is a $25.00 fee to take the online course.

Click the link for the ICS I- 100 course.

CPR Courses - Search online for a Basic Rescuer course offered in your area.  One recommendation is to 'Find a Course' on the Heart and Stroke website. Complete the fields to see the courses available.

Computer Requirements - The Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced at ESA uses an online interface ((Jones & Bartlett Fundamentals of Canadian Firefighting, 3rd Edition).  Each student will need to have either a tablet or a laptop to access the E-Books, Workbooks, Study Guides and ESA curriculum materials.  

Physical Requirements

Fire fighting is an occupation which requires a high level of physical conditioning. Students need to be physically fit. 

Candidates must present a medical form (included in the application package) stating that they are able to meet the physical requirements of the program.

Near the completion of the Enhanced Program, students have the opportunity to participate in the Fire Fighter Physical Aptitude Testing at the University of Alberta or at an equivalent facility. This test is used by many fire services as a selection tool during the competition process.  The test will be scheduled by ESA. Cost is included in tuition fees.

Excessive facial hair is not permitted throughout the program, as it may interfere with the mask-to-face seal on breathing apparatus.

Fire Application

To apply for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced at ESA, you must use the ESA application package.

• Click on Download Application near the top of this page.
• Click on the Download Alberta Enrolment Contract Fire - Enhanced

It is the responsibility of an applicant to ensure an application submitted to ESA is complete and meets all prerequisites.

A program will be cancelled if the minimum number of students (12) is not reached by the application deadline. Once the minimum number of students is accepted, applicants will be accepted into the program until the maximum number of students (36) is reached, or on the date the program commences.

Mature Students

Mature Students may be accepted into a Professional Fire Fighter Program at ESA.  

If you do not meet the requirement for existing education (a High School Diploma verified by transcripts, GED or post-secondary education which is equivalent to or above a grade 12 level), forward an advance inquiry to ESA summarizing your education and work experience before submitting a complete application package.  Include the following details in your inquiry:

• Formal education completed
• Degrees, diplomas, certifications, courses or other relevant training
• Work experience
• Current occupation

Your inquiry will be reviewed by the Registrar of ESA.  You will be advised if you can proceed with an application to a Professional Fire Fighter Program at ESA as a mature student.

Fire Modules

Please contact ESA by phone 780-416-8822 or email info@ESAcanada.com if you are interested in taking or repeating part of a Professional Fire Fighter Program.

Applications for Rope Rescue Level I (Operations)

ESA offers a Rope Rescue course following each Fire program. 

Full payment of the balance of the Rope fees must be submitted with the Fire application.  The maximum number of students accepted into a Rope course at ESA is 14.

Fees for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced

ESA 2025 Fees 

• Administration Fee (non-refundable):  $125.00
• Program Materials Fee (5% GST included):  $1,500.00
• Tuition Fee (including Registration Fee of $500.00):  $13,370.00
• Total Fees - Enhanced Program:  $14,995.00

ESA fees are subject to review and will be updated by October 1 of each calendar year.

ESA fees and dates are subject to change.  Notice of any changes will be listed on this website and can be confirmed by contacting ESA by phone or email.

Each student in the Enhanced program will need a laptop or tablet. This is not included in Program Materials and is not part of ESA Program Materials Fees.

Payment of Fees - Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced:  

• First Payment - $1,500.00 (Administration Fee $125.00 + Registration Fee $500.00 + Portion of program materials fee $875.00) Must be submitted with the Application for Admission to ESA.   
• Final Payment - $12,650.00 (Balance of fees) Due on the first day of program. (No exceptions unless government funding)

Refund of Fees

• The Administration Fee is non-refundable.
• Registration Fee:  If the Enrolment Contract with ESA is cancelled within five business days of signing by the student and a representative of ESA, the Registration Fee is refunded.  After five business days, the Registration Fee is non-refundable.
• The Program Materials Fee is non-refundable for individual orders once these orders have been placed, and for e-Learning on the first day of classes when it is accessed.
• Tuition Fees:  The Professional Fire Fighter Program at ESA is licensed under the Ministry of Alberta Advanced Education. Cancellation and refund policies for licensed programs are made in accordance with Section 17(1) Private Vocational Training Regulation.  Any refunds of tuition fees depend on the percentage of training provided as of the withdrawal date and are listed in the Enrolment Contract signed by the student and a representative of ESA.

Methods of Payments:

All program fees are payable to Emergency Services Academy Ltd. Payments may be made by cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Debit Card.  Cash payments must be for the correct amount as ESA does not keep any cash onsite. 

Funds may be transferred to Emergency Services Academy Ltd. by INTERAC e-Transfer using the ESA email address: e-Transfers@ESAcanada.com

Funding:  If funding from another source such as government loans or scholarships is pending, documentation must be provided to ESA two weeks before the first day of classes showing confirmation of same and dates of payment(s). An alternate source of payment, such as credit card information, will be required in case the funding is not received by ESA.

Students must have payment in place for all ESA fees on the first day of classes. Government funding may also include later payment(s) related to living costs or practical training.  These are paid directly to the student and not sent to ESA for fees.

Program Materials for the Enhanced Program become the responsibility and property of the student and include, but are not limited to:

• ESA Fire Fighter backpack
• ESA Coveralls
• Two ESA Fire tshirts
• Two fitness tshirts and shorts
• Hard hat, work gloves, fire fighter gloves, static cord and safety glasses.
• Essentials of Fire Fighter Skills - Canadian Edition (with online access code)
• Fire Pump/Aerial Appartus - Driver / Operator (with online access code)
• Ground Cover Fire Fighter (with online access code)
• Wildland Manual

Tuition Fees for the Enhanced Program include ESA training and use of ESA manuals, plus Fire Fighter SCBA Fit Testing, Registration Fee, exams, certifications earned, ESA Student Fee, Fitness Training and the Fire Fighter Physical at the University of Alberta or equivalent facility.

ESA provides accidental or emergency health and dental insurance coverage for fire students in the Enhanced Program while attending ESA classes, off-site training and during practical assignments. WCB coverage is in place during practical Fire training. Fees for insurance coverage are included in ESA fees.

Additional Requirements

Computer  

Fire students must have a computer for classes. A laptop would be best, but a tablet would suffice. The entire Enhanced program curriculum is delivered electronically.

Applicants are encouraged to have their laptop or tablet in advance of the Enhanced program Orientation so that they are familiar with its use and can complete some reading in advance of the class.

Further Expenses

There are additional expenses for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced beyond fees payable to ESA which must be covered by the student:

• Students are asked to supply their own navy blue duty pants.  
• CSA approved, black leather, 8" steel toed work boots
• Transportation, accommodation and meals outside of Sherwood Park during practical training sessions, including sessions at Vermilion, AB.
• ESA reserves a block of rooms in Vermilion for students requiring accommodation. Students are responsible for canceling any rooms they do not use and for paying all of their room costs. 
• Students can also arrange alternate accommodation including campgrounds.
• A Recognition Ceremony is held at the end of the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced. Students are responsible for the cost of tickets for themselves and their guests.

Please contact ESA if you have questions concerning additional and optional expenses which you will have during the ESA Fire - Enhanced Program.

Any outstanding invoices including exam rewrites and tickets for the Recognition Ceremony must be paid before graduates from the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced will receive any certificates from ESA or the Accreditation & Certification Unit Technical and Corporate Services, Municipal Affairs.

Funding for the Professional Fire Fighter - Enhanced Program at ESA

Canada Student Loans and Student Finance Grants

The Professional Fire Fighter - Enhanced Program at ESA has been designated as eligible for federal and provincial student funding.

Please submit your application for funding before you apply to ESA for the Fire Enhanced program. You will be advised of how much funding you can receive. The funding will be activated when ESA confirms your acceptance to Student Aid.

Alberta:  The Canada Student Loans Program and The Province of Alberta/Alberta Students Finance provide loans and grants to full-time students in need of additional funds to meet their educational expenses. Apply online through the Alberta Advanced Education and Technology website Student Aid Alberta.  The same application form is used to apply for student loans, grants, subsidies and some scholarships. 

The annual loan limits from Student Aid Alberta for full-time studies are:

• $7,500 for 1 to 4 months of studies
• $15,000 for 5 to 9 months of studies.   

Call the Student Aid Alberta Service Centre - call 1-855-606-2096 (toll free in North America) Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (MST) regarding eligibility for Alberta and Canada student loans and grants, and to receive help with the application process.

Across Canada:  Similar funding programs are available in other provinces for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced Program. You must apply through your home province.

For information about repaying student loans please sign up for this webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5648951363816460290.

For further details and suggestions for funding, please refer to Student Services on this website: http://www.esacanada.com/student-services#financial-aid.

ESA is pleased to present four awards in each of our Professional Fire Fighter - Enhanced Programs. These awards recognize outstanding performance.

• Award for Academic Excellence, Professional Fire Fighter Program. This award is given to the student with the highest average on the written examinations of the NFPA 1001 program.
• Candidate Competition Award, Professional Fire Fighter Program. The ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program Candidate Competition Award is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall score in a mock fire department hiring competition overseen by ESA. The competition includes a candidate interview conducted by professional fire officers, a fire fighter physicial test delivered and scored by the University of Alberta, and a standardized fire service written aptitude examination, and is modeled on the hiring competitions conducted by many Canadian professional fire departments.
• Harold Criss Professionalism Award, Professional Fire Fighter Program. Harold Criss was a respected fire service member and fire instructor, and a valued part of the ESA faculty and evaluation team for many years. He is remembered by his friends and past students in the emergency services industry as a strong advocate of fire fighter safety who always held those he worked with or taught to a high standard of professional behaviour. The Harold Criss Professionalism Award is awarded to the student who best exemplifies the abilities, leadership traits, ethics, knowledge and skills befitting a professional fire fighter, as voted on by their peers, ESA faculty, ESA staff, and other stakeholders of the fire fighter program.
• Fitness Improvement Award.  This award was introduced with the Fall 2013 Fire Program and is presented to the student who has shown the most improvement in physical fitness from start to finish of training.

The ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced is full-time training over twelve weeks. 

Theory

The theory portion of the program is presented at the ESA Sherwood Park Campus.

The Professional Fire Fighter Programs at ESA both use an online interface (Jones & Bartlett Fundamentals, Canadian Edition). Each student in the Enhanced program needs a tablet or a laptop to use the e-Books, Workbooks, Study Guides and ESA curriculum materials. ESA does not supply a tablet or laptop.

Fire Fitness Training

ESA Fire students in the Enhanced program participate in a fitness training program.  Training is a mix of body weight/functional exercise and job specific training.  Sessions are scheduled by ESA in Sherwood Park. The cost of fitness training is included in ESA Fire tuition fees.

Practical Training - Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced  

• The Enhanced program has a total of 25 days (5 weeks) of practical training.,
• A maximum of fifteen days of “live burn” practical training is completed o­n the fire training grounds of Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre ("ETC") in Vermilion AB, which is about two hours east of Edmonton o­n Highway 16.  At ETC, students have access to one of the most highly regarded fire training grounds in North America. As safety is a top priority, bunker gear, breathing apparatus, and other personal protective equipment are provided for practical evolutions. Assorted fire apparatus and all necessary fire suppression and rescue equipment are utilized. Exercises are conducted o­n fire towers and industrial props such as refineries, train cars, automobiles, and trenches. Fire suppression training is done in an environment using controlled "live burns".   
• Self Rescue and Technical Rope Rescue are taught at Station 1 or Station 6, Strathcona County Emergency Services (“SCES”), located in Sherwood Park.
• Hazardous Goods and Dangerous Goods are scheduled at Station 4, SCES.
• Training for Wildland Fires is held in Strathcona County, north of Sherwood Park.
• Aquatic Rescue is scheduled at a swimming pool in Sherwood Park or in Edmonton, such as at the Butterdome, U of A.
• Three days of Vehicle Extrication are scheduled in Strathcona County.

Transportation, accommodation, and meals related to practical days are not included in ESA program fees. These costs are the responsibility of the student. ESA reserves optional motel accommodation for students in Vermilion. Students are responsible for booking and paying for their motel rooms, or for arranging alternate accommodation such as at the local campgrounds.

Candidate Competition

The Candidate Competition scheduled for the student during the last week of the Enhanced Program focuses on preparing for job competitions. An interview and aptitude exam are scheduled with human resources personnel on contract from a major fire department, and a fire fitness assessment is completed at a facility such as the University of Alberta.

Recognition Ceremony

The Enhanced program closes with a Recognition Ceremony at the Four Points by Sheraton, Edmonton South or at a facility in Sherwood Park.  

Links to Websites Pertaining to Fire Fighter Students

http://firefightercareer.net

http://www.firefightingincanada.com/

Recruit Fire Fighter Magazine

Recruit Fire Fighter Magazine is an excellent monitor of job opportunities in Canada. The magazine advertises itself as Canada's ultimate Firefighter Recruitment Source since 1995.  It lists openings at 400 Canadian Fire Departments and regularly checks with 116 of Canada's major services.

Job postings include EMR, EMT and Paramedic.

ESA subscribes to Recruit Fire Fighter. Magazine issues may be borrowed from the reception desk for 3 days at a time. Annual subscriptions are $34.95 for e-mail service and $34.95 for the magazine. Both e-mail and magazine services combined are $54.95.

Referral Fees for New Fire Students Are Paid to Former or Current ESA Students

If a new student is accepted into an EMR, EMT/PCP or Professional Fire Fighter Program at ESA, and lists the name of a former or current ESA student on their original application form in response to the question "How did you learn about ESA?", then we will mail the former/current ESA student a cheque.  

Referrals for Fire are $100.

Room and Board for Out-of-Area Students

A list of room and board accommodations in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park areas is available from ESA for students.  This list is not approved or monitored by ESA.

Accessory Courses

ESA offers Accessory Courses to supplement the Professional Fire Fighter Programs, including:

• Rope Rescue Level I (Operations).  This is a five or six day course which is being offered the week following each of the Professional Fire Fighter Programs. Application for this course may be made along with the application fee for the Fire program. The application fee will be waived when the application is received along with a Fire application.
• Ice Rescue.  This is a one day program offered in the spring of each year.

Many students and graduates of the Professional Fire Fighter Program also apply for the EMS training offered by ESA, as it is frequently a prerequisite for employment with fire services:

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Program.  This is the introductory level of paramedicine. EMR is a 15 day program offered full-time (Monday to Friday) or part-time (Saturdays and Sundays). It can be taken before or after the Fire program.  Many fire services require EMR certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician/Primary Care Paramedic (EMT/PCP) Program.  This the second level of paramedicine in Alberta. It is a six month program including didactic/theory and practicums. Students are accepted on the basis of a competition. Many fire services require EMT certification, including Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) which is an integrated service (combined fire and ambulance).

Each of these courses has separate prerequisites and tuition fees. Please refer to the course name on this website for details.

Employment Standards

ESA develops its Professional Fire Fighter Program by researching the prerequisites listed by major Canadian Fire Services. Many of these standards are included in ESA program materials and certifications.

ESA Fire Graduates and Employment

Many graduates of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program are working for various fire departments and services in Canada, including:

• Alberta ESRD - Wildland Fire, Lac La Biche AB
• Alberta Health Services, Camrose AB
• Alberta Health Services, Edmonton AB
• Beaver EMS, Tofield AB
• Brampton Fire, Brampton ON
• Brant County Fire, Brant County ON
• Calgary Fire Department, Calgary AB
• Canadian Industrial Paramedics - Fire/Rescue, Edmonton AB
• Canmore Fire, Canmore AB
• CFB Suffield, Ralston AB
• CNRL, Fire Department, Fort McMurray AB
• Cochin Fire Department, Cochin SK
• Coquitlam Fire Department, Coquitlam BC
• County of Grande Prairie Fire Service, Grande Prairie AB
• Carrot River Fire Rescue, Carrot River BC
• Delta Fire, Delta BC
• Department of National Defense - CFB Suffield Ontario
• Department of National Defense - CFB Wainwright Alberta
• Dow Chemical, Fort Saskatchewan AB
• Edmonton Emergency Response Department, Edmonton AB
• Edmonton Fire Rescue, Edmonton AB
• Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton AB
• Firehawk, Sylvan Lake AB
• Firemaster Oilfield Services
• Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department, Fort Saskatchewan AB
• Fort McMurray Fire Department, Fort McMurray AB
• Grande Prairie Firemasters, Grande Prairie AB
• Grande Prairie Fire Department, Grande Prairie AB
• Greenhills Operations, Elkford BC
• Hamilton Volunteer Fire, Hamilton ON
• Hamilton Fire Department, Hamilton ON
• Hay River Fire (Wildland), Hay River AB
• HSE Integrated
• Imperial Oil, Edmonton Refinery, Edmonton AB
• ​Industrial Fire Rescue, Sherwood Park AB
• Lacombe Fire, Lacombe AB
• Ladysmith Fire Department, Ladysmith BC
• Leduc Fire, Leduc AB
• London Fire Department, London ON
• Mackenzie Fire Rescue, Mackenzie BC
• Medicine Hat Fire, Medicine Hat AB
• Merritt Fire Department - Work Experience Program, Merritt BC
• Ministry of Forests, Wildfire Management Branch (British Columbia)
• Mississauga Fire. Mississauga ON
• Moncton Fire, Moncton NB
• Muskwachees Fire, Muskwachees AB
• Namao Fire Rescue, Namao AB
• Nanaimo Fire & Rescue, Nanaimo BC
• NEXEN Inc., Anzac AB
• North 6 Oilfield Consulting, Sherwood Park AB
• North Bay Fire, North Bay ON
• North Vancouver Fire, North Vancouver BC
• Northwest Fire Rescue and Training, Onoway AB
• ​Ottawa Fire Department, Ottawa ON
• Penticton Fire, Penticton BC
• Regina Fire, Regina SK
• Rocky View Fire Services, Rocky View County AB
• Saint John Fire Department, Saint John NB
• Shell Canada Emergency Services, Fort Saskatchewan AB
• Shell Scotford Emergency Services, Fort Saskatchewan AB
• Spruce Grove Fire Services, Spruce Grove AB
• Strathcona County Emergency Services, Strathcona County AB
• Sturgeon County Volunteer Fire, Sturgeon County AB
• Sky Boss Inc., Grande Prairie AB
• Sylvan Lake Fire Department
• Tech Coal, Greenhills Operations, Elkford AB
• Toronto Fire Services, Toronto ON
• Trojan Safety, Fort St John AB
• Vancouver Fire Department, Vancouver BC
• Wapose Emergency Services, Wapose AB
• Wapasu Creek Fire Services, Fort McMurray AB
• Wainwright Fire, Wainwright AB
• Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo ON
• Eveready Industrial
• FireMaster
• Fire Power
• CEDA
• HSE Integrated
• Integrated Fire & Rescue
• Key Safety
• Suncor Emergency Services
• Sustainable Resources Wildland Fire
• Syncrude Fire
• Wildland ESRD

​If you are a graduate of our Professional Fire Fighter Program and successful in finding employment, would you please contact ESA so that we can maintain current records.

Testimonials from ESA Fire Fighter Graduates

Hope everything is going well at ESA. Really miss it there and all the instructors.
Want to give you an update on my fire service.  I was offered the rank of Deputy Chief at Carrot River Fire Rescue about 7 months ago now and recently became a Level 1 IFSAC instructor. We were able as a group to send 2 of our units to the La Ronge fire this past August. I want to thank you and everyone for the awesome instruction you were able to give me and the encouragement to get my training.  (Thomas - Fire 1208)

"...I applied for Saint John Fire Department, New Brunswick while I was finishing your program in the fall of 2008.  I have been fire fighting in Saint John for 6 years now, and wanted to let you know that your mock hiring process is what prepared me for my actual job interview with SJFD.

Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in North America and is rich with history and culture, and that culture of fire fighting runs just as deep, as far back as the horse drawn pump wagons! I felt very prepared to start my career after leaving ESA, I made mistakes in school just like any other student, but learned that the key to success was a band of brothers, all pushing each other for the same goal, to be a fire fighter held in high esteem by his peers. School only prepared me for the real thing, which was keep your mouth shut, your ears open and keep moving forward....Anyways, hope that you are all doing well, I don't know if keener is still there but he drove me to be who I am today and was an excellent example. And the chief that did Rope Rescue [Stewart Martin] helped me strive to be on our Technical Rescue Team on the trucks. Thanks again and hope you are all in good health and that you keep on keeping on!  Cheers from the East Coast!  (Adam - Fire 0808 - Class of 2008)
Congratulations Adam on your fire fighter career and your family!  Thanks for the note!

Message received in August, 2014:  "To all of you from ESA who were instrumental in 0909, I want to say thank you. A couple weeks ago my chief handed me a red helmet, lieutenant badge, and radio. ESA 0909 was such a critical part of allowing me to have some success as a firefighter, and now as a fire officer. Thank you for your investment in providing solid and passionate training to the fire service. I, for one, appreciate it more than I can say, but I will say, thank you."  (Chris - Fire 0909 - Class of 2009).  
Congratulations Chris on your continuing career as a firefighter!

Very friendly atmosphere, unbelievable instructors.  (Dan - Fire 0903)

…the dream has come true and I have made the Calgary Fire Department.  We find out our start dates at the end of August.  I would like to thank everyone at ESA for helping me prepare for this amazing career!  (Andrew - Fire 1003)

The candidate competition was an extremely beneficial component of the ESA's fire class and unique to ESA. Overall the instructors and administration staff made every effort to students to aid in their successful completion of ESA's fire program within the classroom and field setting during and after hours. In addition, the instructors and administration staff listened patiently to students' concerns and continued to provide their time and energy with extreme professionalism. Thanks so much for all your hard work everybody! (Aaron - Fire 1103)

We had many practical days that allowed us to practice what was taught in the classroom. The equipment we were able to use was excellent. The instructors were all there to teach and showed patience with students. High level of personal expectations for the students was set on day one. (Michael - Fire 1109)

The course all throughout the program was awesome. Three months ago, I didn't know anyone in the class and now with all the team efforts, we are all really close, good friends. (Ron - Fire 1109)

I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything :) these past 12 weeks have been amazing! I will be recommending ESA to anyone who will listen!  (Brittany - Fire 1208)

I work for Teck Coal now at Greenhills Operations in Elkford as a Loss Prevention Officer (industrial first aid, mine rescue, fire system maintenance, safety inspections, drug & alcohol testing, etc.). The EMR and 1001 certificates I received at ESA were extremely instrumental in myself being hired. (Ryburn, EMR 1107B and Fire 1205)