Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 ...more and more young adults are pursuing options outside of traditional collegiate schooling... These four-year-long Registered Apprenticeship programs require a total of 8,000 hours of on- the-job training, which, when combined with the more than 576 hours of classroom instruction, result in a nationally-recognized Journeyworker credential that is respected throughout the industry. Fulcher added, "For occupations such as HVAC technician, plumber, electrician and gas fitter, completing a Registered Apprenticeship also provides a direct pathway to licensure through Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Graduates of these programs do not have to take the DPOR licensing examination because the extensive training and competency requirements of Registered Apprenticeship satisfy the state's licensing requirements." With a shortage of qualified tradespeople and an aging workforce, skilled trades are among the most in-demand careers today, ensuring high- wage employment with long-term security for those with qualified trade skills. "More people are recognizing that the skilled trades provide rewarding, well-paying careers with tremendous opportunities for advance- ment," said Fulcher. "Employers like Southern Air are investing in Registered Apprenticeship to develop the next generation of highly-skilled professionals and help rebuild the workforce our industry depends on." To participate in a Registered Apprenticeship program with Souther Air, individuals must either be hired by the company or be a high school stu- dent enrolled in a career and technical education (CTE) program. Families interested in additional skilled trades apprenticeship opportunities can also look at programs offered through organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26, which offers electrical apprenticeships, and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Virginia, which partners with employers across multiple construction trades. Many people seek out fulfilling careers helping others. For those drawn to service and who work well in high-pressure situations, becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) offers a clear path forward, and quality training doesn't have to be costly or lengthy. Rocky Mountain Resuscitation LLC's EMT certification program is a Virginia Office of EMT-approved training that prepares students for both the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination and employment in emer- gency medical services (EMS). The certification program includes more than 135 hours of instruction that com- bines classroom lectures, hands-on skills training, simulation, hospital clinical rota- tions and ambulance field experiences. Students learn essential skills like patient assessment, CPR, airway management, trauma care, medical emergencies and emergency childbirth patient assessment while under the supervision of experienced EMS professionals. Lance Lopez, the owner and program director of Rocky Mountain Resuscitation, shared, "Our goal is to produce confident, compassionate and highly competent EMTs who are prepared to serve their communities from day one. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors who have served in military, fire, EMS and hospital settings and extensive hands-on training that emphasizes real-world patient care rather than simply passing an exam. We also work closely with local hospitals and EMS agencies to provide meaningful clinical experiences and networking opportunities." Graduates of the EMT certification course have many career paths available to them. These include working for in-demand jobs in municipal fire and rescue departments, private ambulance services, hospitals, industrial safety programs, event medicine teams and law enforcement agen- cies, or continuing their education toward becom- ing an advanced EMT, paramedic, registered nurse, physician assistant or physician. Many students also use the EMT certification to qualify for work in fire departments. For those considering a career as an EMT, Lopez shared, "Prospective students should understand that being an EMT is much more than responding to emergen- cies. It requires compassion, professionalism, critical thinking, teamwork and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in someone's life." Rocky Mountain Resuscitation offers EMT courses four times each year and is in the process of launching additional programs for advanced emergency medi- cal technician (AEMT) and paramedic training. Their next EMT course begins in October and is open to applicants 16 years and older who either possess a high school diploma or GED, or who are currently enrolled in an approved high school program. "For many people, EMS is not simply a job; it's a rewarding career built on service to others," said Lopez. "Whether someone plans to remain an EMT or use it as a stepping stone into another healthcare profession, the knowledge, leadership and patient care skills developed through EMT training provide an excellent foundation for future success." Emergency Medicine: A Fast Track to Helping Others con nued on pg 20 "More people are recognizing that the skilled trades provide rewarding, well-paying careers with tremendous opportunities for advance- ment..."

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