Michigan's Leland Township Begins Areas First Paramedic Apprenticeship

Leland Township Fire and Rescue is the first department in the state to start a paramedic apprenticeship program. The program comes in response to the growing need for paramedics in the region and with a new partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! More people will be able to train to enter the industry.

Many departments in the region have cross-trained firefighters so that firefighters, EMTs, and firefighter medics operate as one and the same. Becoming an EMT is a starting point to becoming a medic providing participants a new pathway to entering the medical industry while also gaining the skills to take better care of their patients.

“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. 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.

Dan Besson, Leland Township Fire and Rescue Chief

The new program will provide participants with around 4000 hours of paid on-the-job training that will go along with another 647 hours of related technical instruction provided through Munson Regional EMS Education. Apprentices that complete the program will receive a National Occupational Credential through the U.S. Department of Labor along with other certifications earned during the training program.