Discover Your Path

T he Fire Department of the City of New York is continually looking to advance the opportunities for young people to become part of the City’s Bravest. To help support this goal, the Department has created a Youth Workforce Development Initiative. To date, this initiative’s programs have helped many New Yorkers pursue and accomplish their dream of becoming a member of the Department.

FDNY Exploring Program

The FDNY Exploring Program is part of the Greater New York Councils Exploring Program. The Exploring Program gives New Yorkers (aged 14 to 20) the opportunity to gain valuable insight into a career at the Fire Department, while simultaneously building plans for their futures. The innovative program helps participants gain work experience and assistance with educational and fitness requirements that are critical to successfully pursuing a career at the FDNY. Participants also develop contacts with FDNY Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics and others already on the job.

Requirements to Join:

• At least 14 to 20 years of age and enrolled in a high school, college or general equivalency (GED) program.
• Proof of ability to maintain satisfactory report card average.
• Provide a doctor’s letter of good health.
• Must be able to attend four meetings per month.
• Pay an annual fee of $15 (to cover liability insurance and administrative fees)

Enroll in the Program: Contact an FDNY Recruiter to Learn More

FDNY Fire Cadet

FDNY Fire Cadet is a rewarding career that educates New Yorkers ages 18-26 about FDNY operations and provides them with leadership training. The two-year apprenticeship program includes extensive classroom, field and fitness instruction, the opportunity to take the Promotion to Firefighter exam and more.

Requirements to Join:

• • Education: Candidates must have graduated from a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization and received a four-year high school diploma; or attended and did not graduate from a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization, but obtained a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) or its educational equivalent approved by New York State’s Department of Education.
  • Citizenship: Only United States citizens are eligible to become Fire Cadets.
  • Residency: Candidates who are accepted into the Fire Cadet Academy must maintain New York City residency throughout the duration of the program and will be required to establish New York City residency within 90 days of appointment.
  • Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and not above 26 years of age on the date their application is submitted.
  • Language: Candidates must be able to understand and be understood in English.
  • Physical and other requirements: Candidates must be physically fit and able to meet the medical, psychological, and character requirements of the position of Firefighter.

Learn More: FDNY Fire Cadet

FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

Housed in Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, and part of the City’s small schools initiative, the FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety is a joint program between the Fire Department and the Department of Education. The High School provides a rigorous academic program with a special emphasis on the academic, physical and moral rigors of emergency response with a special focus on emergency medical and firefighting careers. Many graduates from FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety go on to gain employment at the Fire Department.

Enroll in the Program: Contact an FDNY Recruiter to Learn More