NORTH CAROLINA — The blades of a helicopter deliver a ringing sensation in the ears as the flight crew prepares for another departure. Onboard is Brendan Altom, a Forest Service Job Corps student from Glenrock, Pennsylvania, who finds himself far from home supporting conservation efforts in the Great Lakes area. Students from the Forest Service Job Corps like Altom add to the nation’s overall wildfire readiness and provide rapid support in the containment of fires. 

Before arriving at the Forest Service Job Corps, Altom found himself working a retail job with limited potential for personal growth. Altom said, at the time, he was chasing money more than anything else, but the work left him unfulfilled. He felt that by shifting his focus he might find something more rewarding. 

One of Altom’s friends recommended he try Job Corps, where eligible participants could learn a trade debt-free. After enrolling in the program, Altom became a student at the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center located in North Carolina. 

Initially interested in pursuing the electrical trade, Altom discovered CCCs have specific trades available that are more conservation focused. Drawn to the Forest Service Job Corps forestry and fire militia programs, Altom likened the idea of a prospective career in conservation and wildland firefighting where he was able to take it a step further.   

In February, Altom participated in the S-271 Helicopter Crewmember Course where he was able to further advance his interest and knowledge in aviation and supporting conservation challenges by attending a 30-day assignment with the Great Lakes Helitack crew. This firefighting team specializes in prescribed burns and wildfire suppression. During his time there, Altom participated in eight prescribed fires and one wildfire initial attack and was able to attend an additional A-219 Helicopter External Cargo class. 

Forest Service Job Corps advanced fire training includes students that have stated their intent to work for a federal or state firefighting agency. These individuals have been tested in a high stress, high conflict environment and are ready to start their careers upon graduation. 

What sets the Forest Service Job Corps apart is that students are trained by experienced wildland firefighter trade instructors who pass on their knowledge to prepare students for a career  in wildland firefighting. 

“Brendan Altom arrived at Collbran Job Corps with a great baseline of training and experience,” said Christopher Watkins, advanced fire instructor, Collbran Job Corps CCC. “He is motivated to learn and experience wildland fire.”

Watkins has seen students like Altom come through the program and gain valuable and necessary skills to carry on with a successful career while also fulfilling their natural curiosity. 

“Altom is progressing quickly and asks lots of questions,” said Watkins. “We have conversations about all thing wildland fire often.” 

In fiscal year 2023 Forest Service CCCs provided more than 284,288 hours in wildfire risk reduction and firefighting across America. Every CCC student, in any trade, can serve America through firefighting support. 

“This is a fulfilling and challenging job that will test you mentally and physically,” said Watkins. 

As for what lies ahead, Altom provides some vision of what he’s gained from the Forest Service and where he’d like to be for the future. 

“Be in a permanent position with the government in aviation, in an area with mountains, Smokey Mountains or the Rockies,” said Altom. 

From chasing money in retail, to chasing fires, Altom’s endeavors have taken flight for a successful career with the Forest Service.