Burke EMS Signs First Apprentices with WPCC’s PACE Program

Western Piedmont Community College held a signing ceremony to recognize 13 apprentices: Zachary Ahrensfield, Faith Anderson, Kaitlyn Brady, Taura Calloway, Brianna Cooper, Dakota Davis, Christopher Grant, Alicia Harmon, Jennifer Johnson, Ashley Lane, Anna McNeely, Alexis Robbins, and Justin Taylor as the first cohort from Burke EMS. Seven are entering the Paramedic Program and six entered the new EMS Academy, which started on January 23rd. WPCC is the first community college in Western North Carolina to offer an EMS Apprenticeship Program.

Burke EMS PACE Apprentices.

EMS Burke County recently joined WPCC’s PACE (Partnership for Apprenticeship and Career Exploration) program this year. EMT Basic and current paramedic student Kaitlyn Brady is ecstatic about this opportunity.

“I learned about the program because my sister went through it. She was the one that put me on the right track to get me in the direction I needed to go in,” Brady said. “That’s how I got started with my basics and now I am in the paramedic program.”

Brady stated that she loved the program, Burke County and the down-home feel where everyone is like a family.

“We all love each other and have a great time in class. Our instructors are amazing. They are the best teachers I’ve ever had,” Brady said. “I’m looking forward to developing my skills and getting to learn how to do a little more on the trucks. I get to see my paramedic partners do all this really cool stuff and I am really excited to learn how to do it.”

PACE provides apprenticeship opportunities for workers to receive specialized training to enhance their job skills while receiving pay and earning an educational credential.

WPCC President Dr. Joel Welch addressed the apprentices and stressed the importance of the critical work they complete daily.

“What you do is incredibly important for our community,” Welch said. “We have a great program with excellent faculty and directors to make sure you have the right training, the right education and the things you need to take care of the folks that you are helping.”

To become a PACE partner, apprentice, or learn more about the program, visit online at wpcc.edu/pace