CAL-JAC
Cal-JAC Recruitment in the Spotlight
Expanding Recruiting Efforts During COVID-19 and Beyond
This spring, the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) launched a brand-new virtual program, Recruitment in the Spotlight, furthering its efforts to connect participating departments with eager candidates from around the state interested in pursuing a career the fire service.
Nearly a year and a half ago, California was forced into lockdown and crucial in-person gatherings such as career expos, station visits and ride along opportunities came to a halt, but firefighter recruitment carried on with force. Cal-JAC and the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) looked to find new ways, through creative use of technology, to meet candidates where they are. Recruitment in the Spotlight was born.
“Recruitment in the Spotlight was developed to fill a gap that both departments and firefighter candidates have been experiencing through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Yvonne de la Peña, Executive Director of the Cal-JAC. “No matter where a young man or woman is in their journey, we will continue to hold these free events to offer an opportunity to engage with departments, get questions answered and open the door for individuals from a multitude of communities and backgrounds.”
The first event, hosted on Zoom and livestreamed on social platforms, featured representatives from Fremont Fire Department. Using a live, talk-show style format, each shared his and her unique journey in the fire service. The event also covered the requirements needed to pursue this profession, written test resources and demonstrations for candidates working to complete their Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
The next event in June spotlighted Cosumnes Fire Department with representatives from many different backgrounds. As well as requirements and an inside look at the department, this episode offered viewers a visual understanding of mechanical reasoning concepts and their importance on the job.
Each Recruitment in the Spotlight episode brought in hundreds of questions from candidates all over the state – a sign of the need for additional events to continue the dialogue between the experts in the field and those who wish to become them.
“Recruitment in the Spotlight allows departments to not only highlight your unique services and culture in preparation for recruitment, but also a chance to interact live with hundreds of young men and women who could shape the next generation of the fire service,” said Mitch De Anda, FCTC Program Director. “The opportunity is invaluable for both parties.”
Cal-JAC’s Recruitment in the Spotlight will continue to provide hopeful candidates with information on how to pursue a career in fire service and what to expect once they are hired. Individuals from all different age groups, levels of experience and education are welcomed to tune in.
The next virtual event will be a special episode with the next Cal-JAC Pre-Apprenticeship EMT Academy as its focus on September 2nd. For more info, or if you know someone who might be a good fit for the fire service, follow @becomingaff on Facebook and Instagram.