Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement

The Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement provides the foundational knowledge required to allow students to gain employment with the Fire Service. It offers the required courses and learning prepares students to apply for employment with wildland firefighting agencies such as the United States Forest Service; California Department of Forestry/CAL FIRE; United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service, as well as municipal fire departments. The certificate is also designed for present in-service fire personnel to upskill on wildland firefighting techniques or to prepare in-service personnel for promotional opportunities.

The estimate is approximately 30-50 students will enroll per year with approximately the same number of completions.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor's Office for the Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement. The proposed Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled fire service professionals. It aims to prepare students to join the fire academy and for eventual careers in fire service, emergency response, and fire safety management careers. This program aligns with our college’s educational master plan. It addresses the need for trained professionals capable of responding to emergencies with expertise, critical thinking, and effective decision-making skills.

The sustainability in offering the certificate is supported by the college’s commitment to allocate necessary resources, including collaborating with local fire departments, hiring experienced faculty, and providing access to the latest fire technology equipment and software. Ongoing partnerships with local fire departments and emergency services organizations will support the program’s sustainability through resource sharing, guest lectures, and practical training opportunities.

The program's alignment with labor market needs is evidenced by a labor market report (reported under TOP Code: 2133.00) where data indicates an increasing demand for fire service professionals, driven by a combination of retirements in the current workforce and an expanding scope of responsibilities in fire safety and emergency response. The program directly addresses this demand by preparing students with the skills and knowledge required by employers, as confirmed by our advisory committee, which includes representatives from local fire departments, emergency services, and related industries. Discussions with our advisory committee have underscored the importance of a comprehensive education in fire technology that combines technical skills with critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. The advisory committee strongly supports the creation of this certificate as part of the larger degree revisions, highlighting its potential to meet critical workforce needs and its contribution to community safety and well-being.

The Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement degree is strategically designed to address critical needs in the field of fire safety and emergency services. By providing an integrated education and training platform, the program seeks to equip students with essential knowledge and skill for careers in the fire service.
Students will possess the theoretical and practical skills necessary to excel in fire service and emergency response careers. This dual focus ensures readiness for immediate employment and long-term career advancement. Students will gain an understanding of the ethical considerations and community impact of fire service, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement.

The Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement is housed in the Fire Technology department. The required courses are currently on offer in both fire technology and geology. The curriculum and courses that are part of this degree address the needs identified by our labor market analysis and advisory committee input. It prepares students for immediate entry into fire service and emergency response roles with a curriculum closely aligned with industry standards and best practices. Courses are designed to be hands-on and practical, ensuring that students learn the theoretical aspects of fire science and gain the practical skills necessary for the workplace.

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There are similar programs in the service area, including Monterey Peninsula College. Both programs work together collaboratively and both programs have been offered for several decades. Due to the high demand for fire service personnel and jobs in the fire service, it is seen as mutually beneficial to offer programs at both colleges in the similar service area.

Cabrillo College's Career Education Dean, Annabelle Rodriguez consulted with Guy Hanna, Dean of Agriculture, Business and Industry at Hartnell College, 1752 East Alisal Street, Salinas Ca 93905, (831) 755-6965, shanna@hartnell.edu and John Skellinger, Dean of Career Education & Workforce Development at Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St, Monterey CA 93940, (831) 646-4081, jskellenger@mpc.edu