Excerpts from the DailyNorthwestern.com:
A law, signed on August 23 by Governor J.B. Pritzker, amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. The change will now allow qualified candidates to receive hiring preference if they have had the 600 hours of work within a 12-month period as part of a certified apprenticeship program.
These applicants can receive up to 20 points added to their firefighter eligibility list score, thus increasing their chances of employment.
The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Robyn Gabel in collaboration with the Evanston Fire Department. The bill was also developed with the help of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois as well as the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.
The Evanston Fire Department is working with Oakton Community College to create a three-year apprenticeship program. The program would complement the Fire Explorer Program geared toward young adults.
The Fire Explorer Program currently helps men and women aged 14-20 learn the basic skills of firefighting and EMS. The program also offers ride-alongs and opportunities to assist with routine tasks around the fire department and in the community.
The three-year apprenticeship program is expected to launch in the fall of 2020.
