Partnership with Thomas County Emergency Services Continues to Produce Certified Fire Medics Through Innovative "Earn While You Learn" Model

Following the successful completion of its second cohort, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) is actively recruiting new applicants for the acclaimed Street to Station Program, a groundbreaking partnership with Thomas County Emergency Services that trains fire medics through a comprehensive work-based learning approach.

The program recently celebrated another milestone when ten firefighters completed their Firefighter 1 certification after approximately 320 hours of intensive training. The newly certified professionals were honored at a pinning ceremony during the Thomas County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 28, 2025.

"The success of our Street to Station Program exemplifies SRTC's dedication to meeting critical workforce needs within our service area," said Amy Carter, Vice President of Economic Development. "The achievement of this second cohort further validates our commitment to providing essential emergency services training to our communities."

Program Highlights:

• Earn While You Learn: Full-time employment with benefits during comprehensive training

• Complete Certification Path: Firefighter 1 and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) credentials within one year

• Comprehensive Training: 320+ hours including classroom instruction, skills development, live fire training, hazardous materials protocols, Incident Command System, and CPR certification

• Real-World Experience: Hands-on training in firefighting, emergency medical response, and rescue operations under experienced mentors

• No Experience Required: Open to all candidates with a passion for community service

The Street to Station Program represents SRTC's innovative apprenticeship model, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Since launching its first successful cohort in September 2023, the program has demonstrated the effectiveness of combining theoretical classroom instruction with practical, on-the-job training under the guidance of seasoned professionals at Thomas County Emergency Services.

This initiative is part of SRTC's broader Apprenticeship Program, which has attracted 34 area businesses and trained over 170 apprentices since its inception in 2021. Currently, 100 students are placed in apprenticeships with local organizations across healthcare, automotive, and transportation sectors. The program is supported by grants designed to upskill Georgia's workforce in industries key to the state's economy.

"This dual approach ensures that participants not only receive practical, on-the-job training but also attain a solid theoretical foundation in emergency services," Carter explained. "Our apprentices graduate with both the skills and credentials needed for immediate deployment in various emergency scenarios."

As current cohort members progress to their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician training, SRTC is preparing to launch the next Street to Station class. The program addresses the growing regional need for qualified emergency responders while offering participants a stable, meaningful career path in public service.