Rockdale Career Academy and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, in partnership with Rockdale County Fire and Rescue, will begin a dual enrollment program in the fall that prepares high school students to become firefighters upon graduation.

The Firefighter 1 course will be offered at RCA and taught by GPTC instructors. Rockdale County Fire and Rescue will train program instructors on safe and efficient operation of equipment and props, and help prepare students for a career in fire suppression.

Students enrolled in the program will receive high school credit, 15 hours of college credit and any required hands-on training. They will also be prepared to take the state certification exam upon reaching 18 years of age. Satisfactory completion of the coursework and state exam, qualifies an RCA graduate for employment as a firefighter.

"Our goal is to give students every advantage possible when entering the workforce or pursuing higher education after high school graduation," said Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Richard Autry. "Having the opportunity to earn college credits, industry certification and practical experience through partnerships such as this will certainly give our students that advantage. We are excited to work with GPTC and the Rockdale Fire Department to expand our offerings in the field of public safety."

Applicants must have the minimum required SAT or ACT scores, or will need to take the COMPASS test and receive the minimum required scores.

"We are pleased to participate in this innovative dual enrollment program with Rockdale Career Academy and Rockdale County Government. It furthers our effort to best prepare students who want to immediately enter the workforce and make a difference," said GPTC President Jabari Simama.

RCFR will assist with the field training by providing access to training props and areas, and a reserve apparatus, when available, to facilitate training scenarios in hose evolutions, water supply and apparatus pumping.

"Rockdale County Fire-Rescue is excited to assist with the field training in the dual enrollment partnership between Rockdale Career Academy and Georgia Piedmont Technical College," Fire Chief Dan Morgan said.

RCA has been a long-time partner with GPTC, especially in public safety. The addition of the Firefighter Dual Enrollment program furthers expands the opportunities students have who are considering a career in public safety.

Interested students should apply through GPTC (www.gptc.edu) or RCA (http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us/schools/rca/Pages/default.aspx).

For more information, contact Jill Oldham at joldham@rockdale.k12.ga.us