Lakeland College's first group of graduates in the 2020-21 academic year excelled, despite the pressures of COVID-19.

Candice Ives and Braden Olynick sit on top of one of the Emergency Training Centre's firetrucks.

According to Candice Ives and Braden Olynick, blended firefighter training grads, COVID-19 caused little interference to their education.

“I feel like we received the same quality, hands-on education. I don't feel like this pandemic hindered it. There were guidelines put in place that were straightforward,” says Olynick, a journeyperson electrician by trade.

Ives adds, “We had a core group of 14 people, so we may have benefited a little bit. It was easy for our class to experience the tactical, hands-on portion of our program.”

Lakeland offers its firefighter training in both onsite and blended formats. With the blended delivery, students complete 12 weeks of online theory and then 5 weeks of intense in-person, hands-on learning. The pandemic pushed the start date of the hands-on portion, but Olynick says he was grateful for the extra time to absorb the theory.

While the program was extended, Ives says she adopted a strict schedule and strategically placed her focus on studying. She explains the program's blended learning format was a perfect fit for her.

Braden Olynick outside ETC on his graduation day.

“I think this format is great for anyone who can't be away from home for long periods. However, you need to be a self-starter, and you need to set expectations and deadlines. I'm a self-starter and self-learner, so the online theory was a breeze,” says Ives, a primary care paramedic.

“When I first came to campus, I had minimal hands-on experience. But learning about it during the theory portion and then applying what I learned at the Emergency Training Centre rounded out my experience.”

Both from Saskatoon and applying for the city's fire department, Olynick and Ives both chose Lakeland for its reputation and state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.

“Given that we're both we'll both be applying to the same department, we know they have very high training standards,” says Olynick, noting the department chiefs are familiar with Lakeland.

“Lakeland was recommended to me above other training schools.”

Photos: Top-Candice Ives and Braden Olynick sit on top of one of the Emergency Training Centre's firetrucks. Bottom-Braden Olynick outside ETC on his graduation day.