Leland Township Fire and Rescue Launches Region’s First Paramedic Apprenticeship

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2022

NORTHWEST LOWER, MI— A first of its kind apprenticeship program in northwest Lower Michigan will help a local fire and rescue department train its paramedics. Northwest Michigan Works! is partnering with Leland Township Fire and Rescue on a unique registered apprenticeship for a Paramedic occupation.

The program includes 4000 hours of paid on the job learning along with 647 hours of related instruction provided through Munson Regional EMS Education. Apprentices achieve a National Occupational Credential through the U.S. Department of Labor along with other certifications earned during the training program.

“Leland Township Fire and Rescue is pleased to be the first in the region to offer this in-demand occupation through a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Dan Besson, Leland Township Fire and Rescue Chief. “Apprentices will receive a quality education along with essential on the job learning competencies taught by a qualified mentor. Our team is looking forward to launching this initiative and watching our workforce grow through additional skills and knowledge. We are grateful to the Northwest Michigan Works! team for their assistance in developing and implementing this innovative program.”

Registered apprenticeships are developed through a partnership between Northwest Michigan Works!, the business community, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is a proven training method for employers to build a talent pipeline of highly skilled, educated employees. Registered apprenticeships are offered in over 1300 occupations and can be designed for any size or type of business. Northwest Michigan Works! provides technical assistance and administrative support for registered apprenticeships, including development and implementation guidance. Employers interested in exploring their own apprenticeship opportunity should contact Northwest Michigan Works!. More information about apprenticeships is also available at nwm.org/Apprenticeships.