Grad gives advice to women entering firefighting careers
Brooklyn Park, June 5, 2023 – According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 9% of all firefighters in the U.S. are women. Hennepin Tech graduate Lizzy Wittrock completed the Fire Protection program and she’s ready to enter the career field. On graduation day, she discussed the issues concerning entering a male-dominated field.
Hennepin Tech: We need more women in firefighting. What words of encouragement have you been hearing while you were in the Fire Protection program at Hennepin Tech?
Wittrock: People have pointed out that I am in male dominant field and everyone has told me to stand tall. A lot of people just said stick to your guns and stay strong.
Hennepin Tech: How have you approached this challenge?
Wittrock: I go the extra mile to make sure that I do the best I can. I worked hard to be in the top of the class and a squad leader.
Hennepin Tech: You just started volunteering with Hopkins Fire. What are you looking forward to doing?
Wittrock: I will start out job shadowing, learning the ropes and going out on calls. Eventually I’ll be fighting fires.
Hennepin Tech: You graduated with honors. Congratulations! It’s even more impressive because you were incredibly busy while taking classes.
Wittrock: Yes, I worked full-time as a gymnastics coach for high school and club. Plus, I worked at Hennepin Tech while I was a student.
Hennepin Tech: What did you enjoy about the program at Hennepin Tech?
Wittrock: I loved like the flexibility and the instructors were great. I learned a lot from them and they were willing to help me. They would give me that extra help if I needed it. It was affordable. Previously, I went to college somewhere else and I just loved the flexibility here.
I got a job at Allina Health EMS while I was still in school because my instructors put together interviews for students to help us take the next step towards our career.
I cannot thank my instructors enough for all their help and encouragement in this journey.
Hennepin Tech: What are your career goals?
Wittrock: My dream is to become a fire paramedic full time. Just helping out my community and helping people in need. And creating a bond with the people I work with. That's my goal.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.