NTC secures $3.2M for firefighter/paramedic apprenticeship program

Northcentral Technical College has been awarded $3.2 million in federal funding to launch a North Central Wisconsin Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program, with the money included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law Feb. 3, 2026.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin secured the appropriation.
“First responders are the backbone of emergency services in our communities, and I worked closely with Northcentral Technical College to secure federal funding to invest in recruiting firefighters and paramedics, strengthen our workforce, and keep families safe across Central Wisconsin,” Baldwin said.
The 18-month program will accept nine apprentices per cohort. Participants will complete 1,628 hours of classroom instruction at NTC’s Wausau campus and Public Safety Center of Excellence, along with 1,680 hours of paid, hands-on training. Federal dollars will cover curriculum development, program promotion, instruction costs, uniforms, safety gear, training equipment, and apprentice wages.
NTC president Dr. Chad Worden said the program addresses long-term workforce needs in the region.
“The Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program will help to ensure our communities are prepared with skilled, well-trained professionals today and into the future,” Worden said.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Baldwin for her tireless advocacy and continued support of NTC and workforce education across our region,” Worden said. “This is an exciting day for our College, our partners and the communities we serve.”