Columbia, CA…Columbia College has received formal notification of the intent to award a three (3) year grant to develop a new pre-apprenticeship program in Emergency Medical Services, beginning in spring 2022. Columbia College is currently implementing hospitality and child development apprenticeships, forestry and conservation on-the-job training program, as well as a fire science pre-apprenticeship with similar grant funding. Columbia College is excited about expanding opportunities to other industries that need a well-trained workforce.

The new award, just announced by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Workforce and Development Division, is part of the California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI), aimed at broadening the range of apprenticeship programs available to California workers through Prop 98 funding. These ongoing efforts were implemented to meet the state’s need for an educated and skilled workforce, and to promote economic recovery and equity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CAI supports the creation of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in non-traditional, emerging, and innovative sectors, to increase the accessibility of sustainable high-wage jobs for individuals from historically marginalized and
underserved backgrounds.

The grant will fund the development of the Columbia College Emergency Medical Services Pre- Apprenticeship, which will provide up to 200 students the opportunity to participate. Pre-apprentices in the initiative will complete Columbia College’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses and receive CPR, EMS and EMT certificates. They will also engage in workshops, field trips, job shadowing, and soft skills education. Those who complete the program will have a clear path to become an apprentice in the Emergency Medical Services field through the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC). Columbia College has established a collaborative partnership with Cal-JAC that focuses on preparing EMS pre-apprentices for entry into one of Cal-JAC’s registered apprenticeship programs. This project will include collaboration with multiple local agencies and the establishment of a pre-apprenticeship advisory committee to stay on top of the growing need for trained EMS professionals in our community.

Contact: Office of the College President
(209) 588-5115

Approval of the pre-apprenticeship through the California Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) will be a top priority. The college will receive $500,000 over the three-year grant period to coordinate the program, implement the curriculum, enroll students, and launch training.

Steve Amador, Dean of Career Technical Education and Economic Development, will oversee the development and implementation of this new pre-apprenticeship program. Mr. Amador explains, “The Emergency Medical Services industry is vital to the Mother Lode region and with this grant we will be able to expand training opportunities for Columbia College students and the community. The California Apprenticeship Initiative continues to have a positive impact on our local workforce and economy.”

Additional Emergency Medical Services agencies, businesses, or interested parties who would like to be included in upcoming planning and implementation meetings with Columbia College are encouraged to contact:

Mr. Steve Amador
Dean of Career Technical Education & Economic Development
Columbia College amadors@yosemite.edu
Office: 209.588.5142 http://gocolumbia.edu/career_technical
http://www.gocolumbia.edu/career_technical/apprenticeshipinitiative.php