Macon-Bibb Fire Training Academy for high school seniors, to 'build tomorrow's workforce'
MACON-BIBB COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) -- Macon-Bibb County, Central Georgia Tech., and the Bibb County School District have partnered with Macon-Bibb Fire Department to develop a career training program for high school seniors.
The new partnership will offer a career path in fire fighting for seniors and hopefully increase the number of firefighters in the county and surrounding counties.
A press conference introducing the new fire training academy was held on Friday at 11:00 A.M.
Deputy Chief Todd Alligood said, "This partnership will allow us to have three classes of recruits each year, not just two, and it will help our students get an earlier start on a rewarding career protecting our community."
Executive Director of CTAE and CEO of Hutchins College and Career Academy, Cassandra Miller-Washington said that students " Will walk across the graduation stage and end up with a career. This is a future-ready pipeline workforce for our students and for the community."
The program is expected to start next fall, Macon-Bibb Fire Chief Shane Edwards said the signup list has already exceeded the estimated class limit of 20 students, which is a great sign.
The department hopes to keep graduating seniors in their Macon hometown while also filling a deficit of vacant positions within the fire department.
Much buzz and positive anticipation have been expressed by all partners involved with this promising program.
"This exciting partnership is innovative and unique for Georgia’s high school students...Not only is it good for Bibb County Dual Enrollment students who will have job offers upon completion, but it’s good for the community by ensuring a solid foundation for local emergency positions supporting public safety.” shared Kim Gunn, the executive director of high school initiatives.
Students enrolled can look forward to taking a Firefighter I course in the Fall and a HazMat Awareness and Operations course in the spring. Both classes will be taught at the new fire training academy.
