NVFC Train-the-Trainer Courses – June 2025

Background

The NVFC offers dozens of courses at low- or no-cost to emergency response personnel nationwide. To help meet the ongoing demand for quality training, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is opening a call for applications for those interested in serving as volunteer* NVFC instructors and providing training for selected applicants. (*instructors will receive a small stipend per training based on course length)

Courses

In June 2025, the NVFC will train new instructors for the following courses:

  • Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services – Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission, improve member satisfaction, and best serve the community. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. Retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions. Course duration: 2 hours | Setting: Classroom-based
  • Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success – The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders. Course duration: 4-8 hours | Setting: Classroom-based

Who Should Apply

The NVFC is looking for experienced fire service instructors from geographic locations across the United States. All applicants must hold a minimum of Fire Instructor I certification (Pro Board or IFSAC) or equivalent experience/training (as indicated by resume) and have verifiable experience in training varied populations and group sizes. Successful applicants must attend the hands-on train-the-trainer seminar on June 22, 2025, and will be expected to coordinate and deliver at least one  2-4 hour training by December 31, 2025, as well as provide ongoing training to their regions. Applicants must also be willing to commit to ongoing Instructor development as the program continues.

Expectations

Participants in the NVFC Train-the-Trainer program will be expected to complete the following:

  1. Virtual Training: To help make the best use of training time together, all participants will be required to review course materials prior to gathering in-person and complete pre-session on-demand coursework (total time commitment: approximately 4 hours).
  2. In-Person Training: All selected applicants will be required to attend a hands-on train-the-trainer event, to be held June 22 in Salt Lake City, UT. Participants will complete approximately 8 hours of training and leave prepared to facilitate knowledge transfer in their regions.
  3. Course Delivery: Instructors must then teach at least one 2-4 hour in-person training for a minimum of 25 individuals in their region by the end of 2025. The NVFC will support instructors by providing course materials and instructor manuals; helping to identify training locations/interested departments; and covering all approved travel related expenses, including a small instructor stipend.
  4. Looking Ahead: The NVFC will add newly trained instructors to our instructor database and send requests for future training opportunities. Trainers are also encouraged to continue seeking opportunities in their regions. In addition, instructors are encouraged to participate in the NVFC’s quarterly instructor development calls. Instructors must notify the NVFC when they teach the course and submit program evaluations to help track program reach, document lessons learned, and ensure program success.

Train-the-Trainer Course Details

Sunday, June 22, 8am-5pm | Salt Lake City, UT

  • Hotel and training location: Salt Lake City Marriott City Center
  • Please note, this event follows the NVFC Training Summit, taking place June 20-21 at the Marriott. Train-the-Trainer course attendees will be offered complimentary Summit registration (value $159).

Travel Reimbursement

The NVFC will cover approved travel expenses to attend the Train-the-Trainer, including lodging, transportation (airfare or mileage), local transportation, and meals. Additional details to be provided upon selection.

How to Apply

Complete the application form by Friday, February 28. Notifications will be sent by March 20.

Questions

Contact Rachel Buczynski, chief of training and education, at rachel@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700 x130.