Southern Maine Community College is helping the state’s fire service agencies with a new program that provides Mainers a flexible pathway to advance their firefighting careers.
The new SMCC Fire Science Institute provides training that is essential for fire departments statewide as they struggle to find qualified candidates to fill their firefighter ranks. The institute begins August 31, with a mandatory information and interview meeting scheduled for August 9.
The institute is offered at no cost to qualified applicants who are interested in gaining the in-demand skills they need for a firefighting career. After completing the program, students will earn a certificate of readiness and be able to explore job opportunities at a job expo with potential employers.
As an added benefit, students can apply the classes toward a college degree or certificate in Fire Science should they choose, giving them the option to further their education even more in the future.
Funding is provided through the Maine Quality Centers, which is part of the Maine Community College System and provides customized workforce training grants to Maine employers with training delivered through SMCC and Maine’s other community colleges. The courses offered through the Fire Science Institute are Firefighter I and II and EMT training.
For more information about the institute, please visit www.smccME.edu/firescienceinstitute.
The SMCC Fire Science Institute is the latest training program developed by SMCC in collaboration with business and industry to address the changing needs of students, businesses and organizations.
The College last fall launched Construction Institute to provide training for people interested in entering or furthering their career in the construction industry. A second Construction Institute begins in September.
SMCC this year partnered with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works to deliver technical training to provide BIW the skilled manufacturing technicians and welders it needs to help fill hundreds of critical jobs.
SMCC has also partnered with businesses to offer two internship programs, one in Culinary Arts and one in Medical Assisting. The Culinary Arts internship begins in September and is offered in partnership with Sunday River ski resort and Central Maine Community College. The Medical Assisting program was launched in May in partnership with Maine Medical Partners and Southern Maine Health Care.