CAL-JAC

CAL-JAC: Committed to Combatting the EMT/Paramedic Shortage

The California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) is prioritizing the shortage of EMTs and Paramedics impacting fire departments everywhere in their new and ongoing programs.

“We saw a need, and we knew we had a role in solving this problem. Our communities and our first responders are hurting because of this shortage. We’re creating pathways to promotion for those already in the fire service, looking to take the next step,” said Cal-JAC Executive Director Yvonne de la Peña.

This year, Cal-JAC secured a grant from the Employment Development Department to expand their pre-apprenticeship academies and programs to upgrade current EMT/Firefighters to Paramedic/Firefighters, encouraging promotion and training from within the fire service. Under this grant, Cal-JAC will also be conducting initial EMT and Paramedic classes to continue their mission to bring individuals into the fire service who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Additionally, Cal-JAC was recently certified as a National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Training Center. The Cal-JAC is now able to administer the Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course for its paramedic students, and plans are underway to offer courses to the local first responder community. Thanks to this achievement, continuing education opportunities will be available to members across the state.

In December, Cal-JAC is celebrating the graduation of its first Paramedic Academy Class. Twenty-one cadets completed the requirements to enter their internship and are now working towards licensure. Some cadets are already in the hiring process and will be working in the field as paramedics by the end of the year.

The second Cal-JAC Paramedic Academy Class will be completing their program in Spring 2024. Future academies are currently being planned, and various locations are being considered to accommodate the needs of departments across the state.

“2023 was a big year for Cal-JAC. We spent a lot of time focused on addressing the shortage of EMTs and Paramedics and brainstorming creative solutions to expanding recruitment as a whole,” said de la Peña. “I’m looking forward to continuing our work in 2024 and doing our part to make sure California continues to have the best-trained firefighters in the country.”

Reinvigorating Recruitment

In August, Cal-JAC hosted the Innovation in Recruitment LAB workshop that brought personnel from all ranks, including labor leaders and management, to discuss recruitment strategies and building an inclusive workforce.

The Fall 2023 Cal-JAC Firefighter Career Expos brought together over 40 fire departments and 1,200+ enthusiastic candidates and their guests for networking, education about the fire service, and opportunities to try their hand at the CPAT.

Coinciding with the Southern California Firefighter Career Expo, the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) opened a new location in San Diego County. The testing center will help hundreds of candidates take the CPAT and FCTC Written Test to get on the Statewide-Eligibility List, where departments can find ready, qualified candidates when hiring.

Help Cal-JAC spread the word about the fire service! Follow them on social media @BecomingAFF on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Facebook. Repost and share their content to reach the next generation of firefighters.

Click the button below to learn more about Cal-JAC’s Innovation in Recruitment LAB