Spotlight: County Council of Richland County

Apprenticeship Occupation: Basic Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic Through the support and affiliated sponsorship of Richland County Council, the Emergency Services Department – Division of Emergency Medical Services has proudly implemented and sustained an apprenticeship model within its EMS programs. Since its launch in Spring 2025, Richland County EMS has successfully sponsored 21 apprentices through structured, time-based training programs. The Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program graduated six apprentices who completed a 2,000-hour training course designed to provide individuals with no prior licensure the opportunity to begin a career in EMS through an “Earn While You Learn” model. Participants successfully completed all required clinical and didactic components and obtained national certification as Emergency Medical Technicians.