It's an amazing hands-on opportunity for a bunch of high school girls in Timmins.
On Friday, they got to attend a program put on by Northern College called ‘Girls In Gear’.
It gives them a chance to explore the world of emergency services and some young female students told CTV they are breaking down long-held gender barriers and loving every minute of it.
"It is difficult, but it's definitely doable," said Gabrielle Levasseur, Grade 11 student.
It's realizations like this, that forms the foundation of the program.
"Some people are taken aback a little bit when they realize it's a female," said Michelle Gervais, a firefighter
"But it's nice because then you get the chance to sit down and talk to them, explain what it takes to be here and how to do these jobs and just empower them that they can do this."
These young women are doing it and learning a little bit about themselves at the same time.
"I was able to do it and it is rewarding that you can do it and it makes you, because people tell you that you can't do it, it makes you want to do it more," Levasseur explained.
Whether it's navigating a burning building, breaking open a door or learning the finer points of police forensics, the program is all about helping young women realize they can chase their dreams.
"I'd most likely think about going into the paramedics because it's just so cool, like we got to do IVs (intravenous therapy) and learn how Ornge (air ambulance service) works," said Madison Belanger, Grade 11 student.
For those helping to guide these young women through these career options, there is a sense of pride and a sense of envy.
"I think if I had an opportunity for a camp like this I think I would have known right off of the bat that it's what I love to do," Gervais said.
Gervais said the program has helped to inspire at least two female students to enroll in the firefighting program at Northern College and it is her hope those numbers continue to grow.
