Apprentice Program

Overview
The Longview Fire Department Apprenticeship Program is a combined educational and work process training solution that allows us to hire non-certified, or partially-certified, individuals and prepare them for full functionality in our work force. Apprentices will receive salary and benefits from the City of Longview and all education related expenses will be paid. Please see the salary table for more information on wage advancement throughout this program.

Apprentice I
The beginning Apprentice, or Apprentice I, is a Longview Fire Department employee that has been hired but does not possess the minimum certifications for placement on shift in a firefighter only role. In this stage, the Apprentice will be in a student only capacity, working toward the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structural Firefighter Certification and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TX DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certification.

The Longview Fire Department requires both of these certifications for placement on shift in the firefighter only role. Apprentices must meet these certification requirements from the appropriate Texas agency before advancement to Apprentice II.

Applicants requesting reciprocity for out of state certifications or credit for out of state education are encouraged to contact: Texas Department of State Health Services and/or Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Apprentice II
The Apprentice II is a Longview Fire Department employee in possession of the TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter and TX DSHS Emergency Medical Technician Basic certifications. The Apprentice II will be placed on shift in a firefighter only role and will attend and complete all requirements of paramedic school during this phase.

Scheduling of classes, transportation, and clinical rotations will be arranged by the Longview Fire Department Training Division. The Apprentice II phase is usually about 12 months in duration.

Certification as a TX DSHS Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic will complete this phase and the Apprentice will advance to Apprentice III.

Summary
The Longview Fire Department Apprenticeship program, including education and internship, is designed to be completed in approximately 24 months. Successful completion of each and all phases of this program is a requirement for continued employment.

All Apprentices in the Longview Fire Department Apprenticeship program will be City of Longview employees, receiving a full time salary and benefits.

Applicants may qualify for advanced placement in this program if they possess the Texas certifications required for the position at the time of hire.