By EMS1 Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — EMS agencies from around the state met with technical college officials to discuss how to raise the number of EMS providers.
ABC Columbia reported that the agencies and Apprenticeship Carolina, part of the South Carolina Technical College system that prepares students for their careers, teamed to up to discuss how to use apprenticeships and accredited courses to bridge the skill gap.
“We actually hear a lot about workforce gaps in manufacturing, information technology and other industries. To be honest, this one that we had not thought about is why we are here today,” senior apprenticeship consultant Carla Whitlock said.
So far, 32 counties are participating in the youth apprenticeship program.
“For the first time, I have two apprentices that started in August with our agency and will continue with our agency through next summer and hopefully will make a career with us, so we have begun this program in the Charleston area and I am very pleased to be a part of it,” Director of Dorchester EMS Doug Warren said.