Bridgeport, CT - Today, Mayor Ganim, Fire Chief Thode, Deputy Fire Chief Edwards, and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security representatives joined American Medical Response (AMR) to announce the inaugural Earn While You Learn (EWYL) Academy in the City of Bridgeport. 



AMR’s award-winning Earn While You Learn program is designed to ease the transition for those wanting to become EMS professionals. The innovative program provides participants with on-the-job training and certification courses to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs). After successful completion of the program, participants will work a regular part-time schedule for at least one year and receive the opportunity of full-time employment with AMR as positions become available. 



The students accepted into the program will be paid for their participation in class and field training. AMR will also cover all costs related to obtaining EMT certification -- including books, AHA training, testing, and license certification fees. 



Mayor Ganim stated, “We are very excited to launch the “Earn While You Learn” program with AMR in Bridgeport.  This model and partnership will begin to benefit participants in an immediate and meaningful way as they develop life-saving skills while earning a paycheck. AMR has created a great opportunity for individuals to reimagine their careers, become an EMS professional, and join the ranks of our first responders.”



Fire Chief Thode stated, “The Bridgeport Fire Department works closely with AMR day in and day out, saving lives and serving the community of Bridgeport. A career in emergency services, working as a First responder, is the most rewarding and fulfilling occupation anyone can have. This unique program allows people to acquire life-saving training and skills as a first step towards that goal.” 



“Too often, talented people want to become EMTs but are not able to take time without pay to be trained. The Earn While You Learn program offers Bridgeport residents who want to answer the call to service a way to make a career in EMS more accessible by alleviating the income barrier,” stated Mike Turcio; AMR Manager of Clinical Services for Connecticut. “This program will allow for more Bridgeport residents to launch a new, rewarding career, and we are grateful to Mayor Ganim and the City for their partnership on this inaugural Earn While You Learn Academy in Bridgeport.”



Participants must be at least 18 years of age, with a valid driver’s license and high school diploma or GED. The Academy is part time in the evening during the week, with occasional weekends, and lasts 10 weeks. 



Applications are now available here and open until May 1, 2021. The Academy is slated to begin on June 14, 2021.