Firefighter Academy Program (Sponsorship & Apprenticeship Opportunity)

New Hanover County Fire Services is currently seeking diverse candidates who are looking to start a career as a firefighter through the First Responder Academy Firefighter Program. The First Responder Academy Firefighter Program is a cohesive program that prepares students for a career in firefighting and has two tracks: one for the First Responder Academy Sponsorship Opportunity and one for the Firefighter Apprenticeship Opportunity. The Sponsorship and Apprenticeship opportunities are both offered at the same time though Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) in July 2023. After successful completion of the program, both sponsorship and apprenticeship candidates will be eligible to gain employment with New Hanover County Fire Services.
This academy, which starts in January and July of each year, is a comprehensive program which includes Firefighter Certification, Hazardous-Materials Certification, Basic Emergency Medical Technician Certification, Emergency Vehicle Driving Certification, Mayday/Safety Survival skills and other vital information necessary for future firefighters.
To be considered for this program, candidates are required to complete a video test, panel interview and a physical agility assessment. Participation in the program is also contingent upon satisfactory background checks, driving checks, physical, and drug screening. Final selection is made by the fire chief and is selected based on department staffing needs.
Sponsorship or apprenticeship CFCC students must agree to provide at least 50 hours per month of volunteer service at the fire department while attending the program. Volunteer service may include but is not limited to incident responses, citizen assists, equipment, apparatus, or facility maintenance, housekeeping or janitorial duties, response to emergency situations, and participation in training.
Specific Information Pertaining to the First Responder Academy Sponsorship Opportunity:
Students sponsored by NHCFR are issued firefighter personal protective gear to be used for academy training. NHCFR also provides required Workers Compensation insurance throughout the academy. Co-sponsored students should obtain protective gear and Workers Compensation insurance from their home department.
Sponsorship provides a temporary department membership which expires upon completion or termination from the CFCC First Responder Academy. Students who successfully graduate from the academy may apply for regular membership in the volunteer firefighter program or any career opportunities that may be available.
Sponsorship candidates will have to successfully complete the physical agility test before the end of the training program to be eligible to transition into volunteer or career positions at the end of the program.
Specific Information Pertaining to the Firefighter Apprenticeship Opportunity:
There is no student out of pocket school expense and recruits are paid a stipend for living expenses while attending the program.
Successful graduates of the Firefighter Training Apprenticeship Program will be offered employment as a Firefighter with the New Hanover County Fire Rescue.
Students will be paid a stipend of $15.20 per class hour while attending the program. Firefighter academy professional training shall be conducted at Cape Fear Community College. All training must be completed within the minimum time frames set by the Cape Fear Community College Fire Academy Recruit training program. Upon satisfactorily completing the requisite Fire Academy Recruit community college training program, trainees are eligible for selection for a full time Firefighter position.

Required Education and Experience:
Must be 18 years old and have High school diploma/GED.

This position does not include benefits.