MiLEAP Provides Tuition-Free EMT Training

February 23, 2020

EMTs are receiving tuition-free training thanks to a partnership between the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center in Traverse City and Northwest Michigan Works!. Twenty-five EMT trainees are enrolled in the course. The $1,600 per student course tuition and $400 for books is being paid for out of a $1.1 million Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP) grant that Northwest Michigan Works! received from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The grant is part of a $17.8 million competitive grant awarded to LEO by the U.S. Department of Education to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19 in the state.

"Being able to train 25 brand new EMTs and get them in the workforce this spring and summer before it gets really big will have a huge impact on our northern Michigan agencies to help them be able to fill shifts and as the calls come in that we have trucks able to respond to those emergencies,” said Bill Parker, Northwest Regional Training Center Coordinator.

MiLEAP provides funds to assist job seekers in transitioning from short- and mid-term education and training programs to high-skill, high-wage career pathways, resulting in industry-recognized credential attainment and reduced educational debt.  MiLEAP targets services to individuals who are dislocated, underemployed, serving as essential workers, living in distressed rural and urban communities, and economically disadvantaged. The program also includes MiLEAP Navigators who provide job seekers with direct assistance in assessing and overcoming barriers, identifying resources and providing guidance and support. MiLEAP participants receive individualized competency-based assessments and learning plans that include skills assessments, remote learning opportunities, industry credential attainment, and contextual learning opportunities. 

For more information about MiLEAP training opportunities contact your local Northwest Michigan Works! Center.