CAL-JAC
Meeting Candidates Where They’re At
It is no secret that in today’s day and age, social media and new-age online media technology play a huge role in reaching any audience for any need. As part of Cal-JAC’s long-term recruitment strategy, they’ve worked with Firestar Studios – Cal-JAC's world-class video production facility – to implement unique ways to inform and engage candidates interested in the fire service.
Since 2020, and due to the pandemic, Cal-JAC embarked on a multi-pronged approach utilizing in-studio recording features such as a live-streamed talk show, “Recruitment in the Spotlight,” and in-depth conversations, “Candid Conversations.” These programs have helped Cal-JAC reach over 2 million potential candidates through a targeted digital media campaign, known as “Becoming a Firefighter.”
“It’s all about meeting our candidates where they’re at,” said Yvonne de la Peña, Executive Director of Cal-JAC. “By stepping into the digital sphere, we’ve opened a door allowing direct communication and instant information to interested applicants.”
In partnership with selected departments, Recruitment in the Spotlight allows Cal-JAC to promote its recruitment efforts and connect interactively, live, on-air with motivated candidates. Last year, Becoming a Firefighter spotlighted six departments, and together, they accumulated 13,500 total program views, with an astonishing 1.8 million additional views stemming from promoted clips across all social media platforms.
“It's a two-way street when it comes to engaging with our audience,” says Cal-JAC's Recruitment Director, Jeanette Plascencia. “Our approach allows us to provide information to candidates in real-time and also allows us to listen to and address our candidates' questions and needs.”
One of the ways it accomplishes this is through Candid Conversations, in-depth recorded conversations featuring firefighters from underrepresented communities. Cal-JAC works closely with fire departments, local unions, and candidates up and down the state to provide expertise in cultivating and recruiting a broader, more diverse workforce.
Director Plascencia continues, “Providing candidates with opportunities to see themselves in similar walks of life allows them to relate and gain insights into how others have approached the candidacy process and, therefore, be successful.”
Becoming a Firefighter is a unique and powerful social media service only Cal-JAC can offer. When candidates follow and engage with @becomingaff, they are better equipped for their future.
FIREFIGHTER I BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAINING
Last year, Cal-JAC was tasked with developing and implementing specific curricula on firefighter behavioral health. This critical training is now part of the Firefighter I curriculum so every incoming California firefighter will have an awareness of this vital information. The new training module will roll out this summer to all accredited fire academies and Cal-JAC fire departments.
FCTC SAN DIEGO COUNTY
As of January 2024, the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) has opened its doors to its newest location, FCTC San Diego County, in Carlsbad. To date, the new location has prepped and tested nearly 1,000 interested candidates as part of their journey to becoming a qualified applicant for the fire service.
On May 9, 2024, just a few months after its grand opening, firefighters from across the state gathered in Carlsbad for the California Professional Firefighter’s 49th Biennial Convention. Cal-JAC, in sponsorship with FCTC and Mastagni Law, hosted hundreds of CPF delegates, their families, and guests at the new FCTC multi-purpose facility located in Carlsbad at 6144 Innovation Way for a welcome reception to kick off the convention.
To learn more about FCTC and its other locations across the state, visit FCTConline.org.