Charleston County public high school juniors can now apply for the Department of Public Safety Student Leadership and Intern Program. Students will be trained to work in the Emergency Medical Services Department, and Consolidated Emergency Communications Center. They will also have opportunities to visit Awendaw-McClellanville Consolidated Fire Department to learn about fire service operations. Applications and qualifications can be found at workfor911.com. Applications are due by Sunday, April 7, 2024.
The internship is only offered to Charleston County public high school juniors and is paid $16.30/hour. The initial six-week summer program provides career readiness training in addition to industry recognized certifications and credentials. The program will begin Friday, June 14, 2024, and includes some weekends during the school year. Signed parental or guardian approval is required for students to participate. There is no cost to the student to join this program or for the certifications. Students are asked to submit their school transcripts with their application to verify that they are currently enrolled in a Charleston County School and are currently in their junior year.
“Our program is a community collaboration with the Charleston County School District. It was created to empower the future leaders of our community by providing them with hands-on paid training in leadership and in public safety.” said Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety Eric Watson. “Our commitment to this program has helped shape a brighter and more responsible future for our community. We believe that by nurturing the necessary skills, we ensure the safety of everyone around us while creating a successful career path for our students. I am grateful for our continued partnership with the Charleston County School District.”
"We are thankful to see our district's partnership with Charleston County Government directly impact students and improve student outcomes," explained Michael Reidenbach, CCSD's Executive Director of Security and Emergency Management. "We believe this program will build a stronger pipeline for those interested in a career in public safety, while also providing our students with a greater appreciation for those who currently serve our community in this manner."
The full internship is a two-year program for high school students interested in a career in public safety. It includes an initial four-week paid summer training program for rising seniors and some weekend work during the senior school year. All interns will take the International Emergency Telecommunicator Course for certification, and those interested in a career with EMS can receive paid Emergency Medical Technician training. Interns who complete the certification courses and meet the agency requirements will be eligible for employment with our Emergency Medical Services Department or Consolidated 9-1-1 Center.
