Federal funding is helping one school in Atlanta pair unemployed workers with EMT jobs. Visit http://ambulancejobs.com to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that DeKalb Technical College will receive $2,043,859 during the next 36 months from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help train unemployed, dislocated and incumbent workers as EMTs and paramedics.
“DeKalb Tech is proud to be the recipient of this grant,” DTC President Dr. Robin Hoffman said. “We look forward to being responsible stewards of these funds by helping people who are unemployed, and transitioning them into working, productive members of our society in fields that offer growth potential.”
The grant will train 250 EMTs and 30 paramedics during the next three years, accounting for twice the current paramedic graduation rate at the school and four times the current EMT graduation rate. This is welcome news, as enrollment at DTC continues to increase, but state education funds continue to decrease.
“DeKalb Technical College is well-positioned to train first-responders to meet the demand in the coming years,” Hoffman added. “This Federal grant will provide funds for DeKalb Tech to expand its personnel and use hybrid technology to expand classes and reduce attrition rates.”
The funding is part of an effort under the ARRA to stimulate new growth in the healthcare industry and other high-growth emerging industries. The stimulus bill was signed by President Barack Obama last year in an effort to create jobs, promote economic growth and assist those most impacted by the recession.
“The Recovery Act funded grants … will ensure thousands of workers across the nation can receive high-quality training and employment services, which will lead to good jobs in healthcare and other industries offering career-track employment and good pay and benefits,” Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said.