IAFF, Dept. of Labor launch new federal apprenticeship program for fire fighters 

General President Edward Kelly joined U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to announce the IAFF Fire and EMS Apprenticeship Program, a new federal apprenticeship for those interested in a career in the fire service.  

The program – the first of its kind for the fire service – is intended to address the ongoing recruitment challenges fire departments nationwide have faced in recent years. Chavez-DeRemer and Kelly announced the news at a signing ceremony in the Frances Perkins Department of Labor building in Washington, D.C.  

“As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Day, what a fitting occasion to launch the first-ever apprenticeship program for fire fighters and paramedics in the United States. This program will not only give fire fighters in every jurisdiction a baseline of skills, but it allows those fire chiefs to tailor their training to the specific hazards they have in their jurisdictions – something that’s incredibly important,” said Kelly. “This is a brand-new era for the U.S. fire service.” 

Chavez-DeRemer echoed Kelly’s remarks, stressing the need for departments to have enough properly trained fire fighters to maintain public safety.  

“Time and time again, the IAFF has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the rights, safety, and future of fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers.  Registered apprenticeships like these ensure responders have enhanced capabilities that help prevent harm and improve overall health and safety,” she said.  

“Programs like yours are reinforcing proper protections to avoid tragedies and build a future where everyone remains safe. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of this signing ceremony today.” 

The new program will be federally registered through the Department of Labor (DOL), creating an accessible and cost-effective means to recruit, hire, train, and retain future fire fighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers.  

Federally registered apprenticeship programs play a critical role in ensuring workforce readiness in the U.S. by providing accessible pathways to certification and training for individuals who might not otherwise have the resources to pursue them. 

The program is the culmination of conversations between the IAFF and the International Association of Fire Chiefs on the need to recruit and retain a skilled workforce in the fire and emergency services. Leadership from DC Fire and EMS attended the announcement with the department’s current recruit class, and Fairfax (VA) Fire and Rescue joined the event with members of their high school cadet program. 

“Together with the fire chiefs, we launched this concept to boost the ranks of the American fire service,” Kelly said. 

With the announcement, the IAFF will now be able to better coordinate previously existing state apprenticeship programs for fire and EMS personnel under their federal registration, expanding federal support and funding opportunities for these affiliates.  

The program will also collaborate with the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DOD) to help transitioning military personnel begin careers in the fire service by offering opportunities through SkillBridge, Career Skills Programs, and related initiatives. 

Fire fighter and EMS worker shortages have been a significant concern for departments throughout the country. Fire departments – particularly small and rural departments – have struggled to recruit enough men and women to staff their crews, placing more stress on existing fire and EMS workers and leading to high rates of burnout and injuries among first responders.  

While states and localities have come up with different options to address this challenge, the IAFF Apprenticeship Program will be the first national, federally recognized solution aimed at directly increasing fire fighter recruitment and retention.  

“We are going to redefine the U.S. fire service through this program,” said Kelly.