Hometown high schoolers learn outside the schoolroom and right beside professional firefighters as part of a new Fire/EMT apprenticeship

RACINE (CBS 58)—The Racine Unified School District, or RUSD, is part of a new initiative. It's offering a Fire/EMT apprenticeship to students interested in working in firefighting and/or emergency medical services. Both Gateway Technical College and the Racine Fire Department itself offer this 14-week course.

One of the students has just been hired as a cadet with the department. This groundbreaking program is said to be the first of its kind in the state. Organizers say it fosters a new generation of public safety professionals and is a testament to the district's approach to workforce development.