South Branch Emergency Services Unveils Paid EMT Apprenticeship Program

• EMT Apprentices will be paid throughout the eight-week training program
• An EMT position - which includes a raise - is guaranteed upon successful completion
• Those interested should apply now.  The inaugural training program begins in February

Clinton, NJ...South Branch Emergency Services (SBES) will launch a paid EMT
apprenticeship program in February and now seeks applicants for the inaugural class.
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“The new South Branch Emergency Services EMT Apprenticeship Program will allow us to
train and hire more EMTs - something we must do to meet the growing demand for SBES
services,” said SBES Chief Frank Setnicky. “The program will also have a tremendous impact on the lives of our apprentices,” Setnicky added. “Training won’t cost them anything – in fact, we will pay them to train. Then, those who successfully complete the program will be offered an EMT position and a raise.”

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Setnicky said the new program is perfect for both young adults who are just launching their
careers and people who have been in the workforce for a while but seek a change. “Through this new program, people in both groups can begin an incredibly rewarding, exciting, and in-demand career without a single dollar of student debt,” he said. “They will work with a team of other dedicated professionals to help people who are sick or injured and literally save lives.  This is extremely purposeful and meaningful work!”

The eight-week program begins February 28, but interviews will be held during the second
week in January, so those interested are urged to apply as soon as possible, said SBES
Training Captain and Training Center Coordinator Michelle Gardner. A full description of the
apprenticeship position, requirements for selection and completion, post-apprenticeship job opportunities, and an application can be found at
 ​https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/1422044

More Apprenticeship Details

Each week, apprentices will spend three days in the classroom and one day riding along with an ambulance crew, accompanied by a mentor, Gardner said. They will also complete a total of 60 hours of independent, online study during the eight-week apprenticeship period.

Most SBES EMT trainees pass the EMT exam on the first try – the SBES Training Center has
one of the highest rates of first-time test success in New Jersey. “Many people walk in with
limited or no experience with emergency response or medical care. It does not matter,” said Gardner. “Our classes are very comprehensive and our instructors are very supportive. We will help you succeed.”

SBES Apprentices will be paid $17 an hour while in class and during their ambulance shift.
Upon successful completion of their EMT training and passing exam, they will be offered
either a full-time, part-time, or per diem position at SBES at a rate of $18 per hour, with raises as their experience builds.

Apprentices commit to working for SBES for a minimum of two years after program
completion. Those who do not stay will be billed for the cost of training.

Who Should Apply?

EMT Apprentice candidates must also have good communication skills and steady nerves,
said SBES Administrative Chief H. Bucky Buchanan. “EMTs are quick-thinking problem-solvers who remain calm and focused during an emergency,” he said.

Compassion is also a key characteristic, said SBES Deputy Chief Chris Miller. “Our EMTs
assess, treat, and transport people in an unimaginably varied number of circumstances.”

Candidates must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, but EMTs must be able to physically do the job, which includes being able to lift up to 100 pounds alone and 250 with a partner. There are no educational prerequisites, but applicants must be able to read at a 10th-grade level and be comfortable using a computer and the internet.

Apply today: recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/1422044
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Learn more about SBES at www.sbes365.org