Advanced training helps enable them pursue firefighting jobs
A pair of young adults from CDCR Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) are among the first firefighters from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp accepted into a training and certification program. The Ventura Training Center (VTC) accepts parolees and probationers who have past firefighting experience at camps run jointly by CAL FIRE and CDCR. The two young adults, ages 20 and 22, joined the fourth cohort of 25 trainee cadets at the VTC in Camarillo.
The 18-month VTC program provides:
- advanced firefighter training
- certifications
- and job readiness support
This creates a pathway for formerly incarcerated people to compete for entry-level firefighting jobs with state, federal and local agencies. The innovative camp training program opened Oct. 22, 2018, with a class of 20 participants.
“The VTC is a perfect example of agencies coming together for the purpose of offering the formerly-incarcerated a way to apply the skills they acquired while serving their sentence into full-time careers upon their release,” CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz said. “This is the kind of innovation that changes communities for the better.”
In January 2020, VTC expanded eligibility to include Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp participants.
“Providing a direct road to employment is exactly what our youth need to succeed as they reenter society,” said DJJ Acting Director Heather Bowlds. “Helping youth to become thriving, engaged and contributing members of the public serves our larger goals of youth and community restoration.”
Two DJJ firefighters accepted at Ventura Training Center
Space is also available for California Conservation Corps (CCC) members from Butte, Placer and Camarillo fire centers.
In just over a year since VTC opened, five program participants have obtained employment as either seasonal firefighters with state and local fire agencies or full-time assignments as hazardous materials specialist, private ambulance/medical transport and forestry technician with an investor-owned utility company. Another two are awaiting final background checks for possible seasonal firefighter jobs.
The jointly-operated camp uses a multifaceted, multiagency approach. This method offers support services to the cadets while they gain valuable job skills. CDCR parole agents are also on-duty at VTC daily.
Through a contract with CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs, the nonprofit Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) provides:
- life skills training and resources
- education and employment assistance
- community service referrals.
Counselors are available to participants on a 24-hour basis.
Cadets receive a monthly stipend as well as room and board. They are also eligible for extra pay when called to duty on active fires. Those approved to serve in conservation camps or institutional firehouses have been carefully screened to evaluate their current case factors. VTC will not accept participants who have been convicted of sex offenses or arson.
By DJJ staff
Learn more about the CDCR/CAL FIRE camps and firefighters.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.